Singing the Songs of Zion: Preparing Our Hearts for the Savior's Return

There are moments, right in the middle of the daily grind—maybe you’re studying for a mission discussion, maybe you’re helping a family member understand a doctrine, or maybe you’re just having a quiet moment of scripture study—when the weight of the covenant settles on your heart. It’s a weight, but it’s the best kind of weight, isn't it? It’s the weight of eternal hope.

Hearing that hymn, “Come, Ye Children of the Lord,” it doesn't feel like a song about a distant, abstract future. It feels like a call to action, a directive for *right now*. It’s a reminder that our current discipleship—the work we do in our homes, our wards, and our digital lives—is the rehearsal for the greatest concert of all.

Building the Song Today: Discipleship as Preparation

When I was first returning from my mission, I remember feeling this profound sense of anticipation. The hymn speaks of a time when wickedness will end, when all men will live in love and peace. It’s beautiful, yes, but it can also feel overwhelming. How do we, as disciples scattered across the globe, actually *prepare* for that day? How do we live in a way that echoes the promise of spotless white and joy?

The answer, I’ve learned, is that preparation isn't just about waiting; it's about *singing* with one accord, starting today. It’s about the small, consistent acts of discipleship that build the harmony of our lives.

The Power of One Accord

The hymn asks us to sing “with one accord.” In the context of the Church, that means unity of purpose, unity of testimony, and unity of effort. It means that whether you are a seasoned returned missionary who has done countless comps, or a brand-new disciple just figuring out the basics of the Gospel, your effort matters. Every single member can be an Internet missionary; every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. That is the power of the covenant.

If you’re feeling the weight of the callings, or if you’re wrestling with how to take the Gospel to someone who seems resistant, remember the spirit of this song. We are not just waiting for the Savior to descend; we are actively participating in the cleansing of sin through our testimonies and our service.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: The Testimony Anchor

Here’s a quick skill I want to pass along to you all this week. When you feel your testimony waver—when the noise of the world gets loud—anchor yourself to a specific, tangible scripture passage or a specific memory of the Spirit’s promptings. Don't just *know* the doctrine; *feel* the promise. For me, it's always been the promise of the Atonement, found in the Book of Mormon. When I focus on that, the noise fades, and I can hear the quiet call to simply *be* Christlike today.

If you want to practice turning those feelings into focused study, I highly recommend diving into the LivingBook. The Social Scripture Study layer is incredible for seeing how others are connecting with the same verses we are!

Next Steps for the Rogue Disciple

We are a community of disciples, not just observers. If you are feeling called to deepen your knowledge, I invite you to join a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. These are safe spaces to wrestle with the hard questions together.

And for those of you who love to wrestle with the tough doctrinal questions—the ones that make you pause before you speak—don't forget Davee! He’s ready to step into his AI Investigator role and walk you through those challenging scenarios, helping you craft answers rooted in truth and grace. It’s free, and it’s invaluable for mission prep.

Let’s commit this week to singing our praises—not just when the time comes, but with joyful intent, starting right here, right now.