“It Is Thy House, a Place of Thy Holiness”
Come, Follow Me Study Guide | September 29-October 5
Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 109-110
The verses in Doctrine and Covenants 109–110 provide one of the most sacred windows into the early Latter-day Saint experience of temple worship. These sections record both the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple and the heavenly visions that followed, underscoring the glory and power that temples can bring to our lives.
They also show that the Lord accepts the offerings of His people and pours out blessings upon them that extend beyond mortality. As we study these chapters, we are invited to consider the temple not just as a place, but as a sacred instrument that connects us to heaven.
Click here for a helpful study packet the whole family can enjoy!
Setting the Stage for Your Come, Follow Me Study
This section of the study guide aims to provide a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding the revelation or scripture being studied. By exploring the events, challenges, and background of the time, this section helps readers appreciate the significance of the teachings and how they apply to our lives today.
In the early 1830s, the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, were commanded to build a house of the Lord. Despite poverty and persecution, they sacrificed their time, means, and energy to construct the first temple of this dispensation. The Kirtland Temple was completed in March 1836 and was unlike modern temples. Its design included pulpits at both ends and space for instruction as well as sacred ordinances.
On March 27, 1836, the Saints gathered for the dedication. Joseph Smith offered the dedicatory prayer found in Doctrine and Covenants 109, a prayer revealed by God. This prayer pleaded for forgiveness of the Saints, protection against enemies, and a promised outpouring of spiritual gifts. It also looked to the future, asking that nations of the world might be influenced by the Spirit emanating from the temple.
During and after the dedication, many Saints testified of heavenly manifestations. Some reported seeing angels, hearing heavenly music, or being filled with unspeakable joy. One week later, on April 3, 1836, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery experienced a vision in the temple recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 110. The Savior appeared to them, declaring His acceptance of the house and blessing the Saints.
Moses then appeared, restoring the keys of the gathering of Israel. Elias committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham. Finally, Elijah returned, fulfilling prophecy by restoring the sealing power.
These events established the temple’s eternal purpose: to bind families, gather Israel, and connect heaven and earth. The Kirtland Temple thus became the foundation of modern temple worship and a pattern for all future revelations concerning the house of the Lord.
Find more helpful historical background here.
Come, Follow Me Study Resources
This section provides additional talks and insights to deepen your study and strengthen your understanding of gospel principles. Explore these messages to gain fresh perspectives and apply what you learn in your daily life.
- “The Temple—The Great Symbol of Our Membership” by Pungwe S. Kongolo
- “Honorably Hold a Name and Standing” by David A. Bednar
- “Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys” by Russell M. Nelson
Come, Follow Me Podcasts
These podcasts provide valuable insights, personal stories, and thoughtful perspectives that align with this week’s Come, Follow Me study guide. Tune in to explore new ideas and deepen your understanding of the principles being taught.
- Come Follow Up – Doctrine and Covenants | Sep 29-Oct 5 | Sections 109-110 | Come Follow Up on BYUtv
- Latter Day Kids – The Restoration of Priesthood Keys | Animated Scripture Lesson for Kids Come Follow Me: Sep 29-Oct 5
- Grounded – Doctrine and Covenants 106-108 | Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner & Elise and Marie Owens | Sept. 22-28
Questions for Personal Reflection
These thoughtful prompts are designed to help you connect the scriptures and their principles to your own life, encouraging personal insights and spiritual growth. Take time to reflect, journal, or discuss these questions as part of your study.
- How does the dedicatory prayer in Doctrine and Covenants 109 shape the way I approach prayer for myself, my family, and the Church?
- What do the appearances of the Savior and other heavenly messengers in Doctrine and Covenants 110 teach me about God’s priorities for His children today?
- How can I better prepare myself spiritually to enter the temple and receive personal revelation there?
Living the Principle: It Is Thy House, a Place of Thy Holiness
These suggestions are designed to inspire action and help you live the teachings in meaningful, personal ways. By embracing these ideas, you can deepen your discipleship and bring the light of the gospel into your home, relationships, and community.
- Set aside time this week to study Doctrine and Covenants 109 in depth, writing down phrases or promises that you want to pray for personally.
- Attend the temple with a specific question or concern in mind, trusting that the Lord will pour out spiritual strength and direction.
- Share your testimony of the temple with someone who may not yet fully understand its importance, helping them see it as a place of peace and divine power.
Shareable Quotes for Come, Follow Me Inspiration
This section of the study guide features an uplifting quote from Church leaders, scriptures, or this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson—perfect for sharing with family and friends, or on social media. These messages are designed to spark meaningful conversations and keep the truths you learn at the forefront of your week.
How has this week’s study guide inspired or strengthened you? Your reflections could uplift someone else and spark a meaningful conversation in our community. Let’s learn and grow together!
We’d love to hear from you! As you study and apply this week’s principles, take a moment to share your thoughts, experiences, and insights in the comments below.
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
