Personal Revelation: General Comments about the Gift of the Holy Ghost

1.   The spirit of God speaking to the spirit of man has power to impart truth with greater effect and understanding than by personal contact even with Heavenly Beings. Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibers and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten.  Joseph F. Smith, "The Instructor," Oct. 1935

2.   Men ought—above all things in this world—to seek for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There is no price too high, no struggle too severe, no sacrifice too great, if out of it all we enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p. 253

3.   President Boyd K. Packer has counseled us that often when we receive guidance from the Holy Ghost, we get directions without explanation.  Neal A. Maxwell, The Promise of Discipleship, p. 99

4.   There is no doubt, if a person lives according to the revelations given to God’s people, he may have the Spirit of the Lord to signify to him His will, and to guide and to direct him in the discharge of his duties, in his temporal as well as his spiritual exercises.  I am satisfied, however, that in this respect, we live far beneath our privileges. Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, p. 32

5.   There are two parts to your nature—your temporal body born of mortal parents, and your immortal spirit within. You are a son or daughter of God.  Physically you can see with eyes and hear with ears and touch and feel and learn. Through your intellect, you learn most of what you know about the world in which we live. But if you learn by reason only, you will never understand the Spirit and how it works—regardless of how much you learn about other things.  Your spirit learns in a different way than does your intellect. Boyd K. Packer, “Personal Revelation” Ensign, Nov 1994

6.   On one occasion in a meeting I heard President Marion G. Romney say, "I always know when I am speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost because I always learn something from what I've said. Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently, p.357

7.   Rather than take notes, pay attention to the impressions you receive as we consider a most sacred topic. If all that you know after tonight is what you hear, then you will have missed the meaning of this discussion. Boyd K Packer – CES Devotional, Nov. 6, 2011

8.   The best counsel for us to give young people is that they can arrive back to Heavenly Father only as they are guided and corrected by the Spirit of God. So if we are wise, we will encourage, praise, and exemplify everything which invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Henry B. Eyring, "Help Them on Their Way Home," Ensign, May 2010, 25

9.   Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death and burial of the man of sin; and the coming forth out of the water, the resurrection to a newness of spiritual life. After baptism, hands are laid upon the head of the baptized believer, and he is blessed to receive the Holy Ghost. Thus does the one baptized receive the promise or gift of the Holy Ghost, or the privilege of being brought back into the presence of one of the Godhead; by obedience and through his faithfulness, one so blessed might receive the guidance and direction of the Holy Ghost in his daily walks and talks, even as Adam walked and talked in the Garden of Eden with God, his Heavenly Father. To receive such guidance and such direction from the Holy Ghost is to be spiritually reborn.  Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, Chapter 4

10. Elder Orson Pratt (1811–81) of the Quorum of theTwelve Apostles taught that “whenever the Holy Ghost takes up its residence in a person, it not only cleanses, sanctifies, and purifies him, in proportion as he yields himself to its influence, but also imparts to him some gift, intended for the benefit of himself and others. … These spiritual gifts are distributed among the members of the Church, according to their faithfulness, circumstances, natural abilities, duties, and callings; that the whole may be properly instructed, confirmed, perfected, and saved.”

10. Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. Humble yourself before God. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort. Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart.

And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will “grow into the principle of revelation.”  -Pres. Nelson