Draw me nearer, Lord

I am in this awesome Doctrine and Covenants class with Brother Perkins - if you are a BYU student, TAKE HIM!!!! He's all about inviting the Spirit to teach us, because it is by the Spirit that we are able to receive the mysteries of God and have a personal tutorial with the Godhead. By praying for the Spirit to teach me when I read the scriptures, and putting more focus into my scripture study, my life has changed. I am learning so much and feel so close to the Lord. It is an amazing experience, and I suggest you all try it!

So I was reading D&C section 76 today, and it was so powerful. I especially love verses 116-118. It is so true that man, "cannot understand unless" by the power of the Holy Ghost. I have read section 76 many times before but never understood and appreciated it as much as I do now. And I have never felt as close to the Lord as I do now. I feel that I am making the transformation, as Joseph Smith did, from God's servant to His friend.

I love the promise the Lord makes in these verses. He says that He gives the Holy Spirit to "those who love Him, and purify themselves before Him." He allows these people to see and know "for themselves." And how can one become a God if they do not know Heavenly Father's ways for themselves? He also promises that these people will be able to "bear His presence in the world of glory." With all my heart, I want these blessings. And I think I am on my way to receiving them. And there is no better feeling. :]

This song is my new anthem. It's by Meredith Andrews.

For your nearness, Lord, I hunger
For your nearness, Lord, I wait
Hold me ever closer, Father
With such a love I can't escape

For your nearness, I am hoping
For your nearness, Lord, I long
I've no need of any other
I have found where I belong
Yes, I have found where I belong

Draw me nearer, Lord
Never let me go
Closer to your heart
Draw me nearer, Lord
Draw me nearer, Lord

In your nearness, there is healing
What was broken now made whole
Restoration in its fullness
Lasting hope for all who come

In your nearness i take shelter
Where you are is where I'm home
I have need of only one thing
To be here before your throne
To be here before your throne

So draw me nearer, Lord
Never let me go
Closer to your heart
Draw me nearer, Lord
Draw me nearer, Lord

Draw me nearer, Lord
Never let me go
Closer to your heart
Draw me nearer, Lord
Draw me nearer, Lord

And keep me here, keep me here
There's nowhere else I'd rather be
So keep me here, keep me here
There's nowhere else I'd rather be
There's nowhere else I'd rather be

So draw me nearer, Lord
Never let me go
Closer to your heart
Draw me nearer, Lord
Draw me nearer, Lord
Draw me nearer, Lord
Draw me nearer, my Lord.

He is drawing me nearer, and I have never been happier.