2.
God wants to communicate with you
The Restoration of the gospel began when a teenager named Joseph Smith prayed, and Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, answered him. God continues to guide His Church through living prophets. He also wants to speak to you, His child, through the Holy Ghost. Learning to recognize how the Holy Ghost speaks to you is one of the most valuable skills you can gain.
Eternal Truths
The Spirit leads you to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This is an important role of the Holy Ghost. He will also inspire you to repent and follow Jesus Christ so you can receive the blessings of His Atonement. As you repent, the Spirit purifies you and helps you change.
The Holy Ghost speaks to your mind and heart. Messages from the Spirit can come to your mind in many ways—through inspired thoughts, warnings, clear understanding, and spiritual memories. The Holy Ghost can speak to your heart through uplifting feelings like comfort, confidence, peace, love, joy, humility, gratitude, and patience.
Invitations
“Receive the Holy Ghost.” These words were spoken when you were confirmed a member of Christ’s Church. How do you receive the Holy Ghost? By obeying the teachings of Jesus Christ. He is your strength. Following Him invites the Holy Ghost into your life.
Seek your Heavenly Father in prayer. Pour out your heart to Him. Thank Him for the many wonderful blessings He has given you. Share with Him your joys, worries, and questions. Be still and listen for His answers, which may come as feelings of peace, thoughts in your mind, or impressions to do something.
Hear God’s voice in the scriptures. The scriptures are God’s words to you! Learn from them daily to discover His voice and feel His love. As you read, ponder what He might be teaching you, and write down impressions that come. Make it a daily habit to study the scriptures—especially the Book of Mormon—throughout your life.
Act on spiritual impressions you receive. If you have a thought or impression to do something kind that will bless someone, do it! All good things come from God. Show your Heavenly Father that He can trust you to follow impressions from Him.
Promised Blessings
The Holy Ghost will comfort and guide you. He is known as the Comforter. He will support you in times of trial. He will help you know what to say or do. With His influence, you can tell the difference between what is true and what is false. He can help you find the good in others and in yourself. The Spirit can also warn you of danger. He will guide you toward Jesus Christ and away from sin.
You can receive spiritual gifts. There are many gifts that God gives His children through His Spirit. Some mentioned in the scriptures include revelation, believing in Jesus Christ, teaching, discernment, and wisdom. Pray to ask Heavenly Father about the spiritual gifts He has given you, how you can develop them, and how He wants you to use them to bless others.
Questions and Answers
Why do other people have greater spiritual experiences than I do? Not all spiritual experiences are miraculous or dramatic. Most of the time, God speaks to us through thoughts to our minds or gentle feelings in our hearts. These are the quiet whisperings of the still, small voice. You might be feeling the Spirit and not recognizing it yet. Keep praying. Keep studying the word of God. With time and practice, you will learn to recognize the Spirit in a variety of ways.
See 1 Kings 19:11–12 (God speaks with a still, small voice); John 15:26 (the Spirit testifies of Christ); Moroni 10:3–5 (know the truth by the Spirit); Doctrine and Covenants 11:12–13 (the Spirit leads to do good); 45:57 (take the Spirit as your guide); 46:8–26 (spiritual gifts).
Temple Recommend Question
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Do you have faith in and a testimony of God, the Eternal Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost?