On the Move with the Spirit
Heavenly Father wants to speak to you. Here are ways you can keep that communication going.
Your Heavenly Father knows and loves you. He hears you when you pray, and He wants to speak to you. Discovering how He speaks is important—and it’s different for all of us. But often, you can notice Heavenly Father speak to your mind and heart when you’re on the move—living your life and acting in faith.
Stay Connected
You can keep your connection with Heavenly Father open as you regularly and sincerely pray to Him. Study His word in the scriptures. Hear and follow His chosen servants—the prophets and apostles. And try your best to keep His commandments.
Staying connected to Heavenly Father brings happiness and meaning to our lives. It helps us better understand His plan and feel His love. We recognize when He speaks as we strive to stay in tip-top spiritual shape.
Be Still
In the scriptures, the Lord reminds us to “be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10; see also Doctrine and Covenants 101:16). The world is filled with noise and distractions, but Heavenly Father is not loud or noisy. He speaks in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). We can recognize His influence when we are still.
For example, find a quiet place to pray, take time to surround yourself with the beauty of God’s creations in nature, or enjoy inspiring music and art. These things help keep our minds and hearts open to special experiences with Heavenly Father.
Follow Promptings
Heavenly Father often speaks to us through promptings. But how can we know for sure if a prompting comes from Him? The prophet Mormon gives a good guide: “Every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God” (Moroni 7:13). President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) once said: “That’s the test, when all is said and done. Does it persuade one to do good, to rise, to stand tall, to do the right thing, to be kind, to be generous? Then it is of the Spirit of God.”
Often, a prompting will be to “go and do” (see 1 Nephi 3:7) or to say something. As we act on those promptings—especially the first time we feel it—more experiences will come. So, if you feel that you should say or do something good and positive, do it! Confirmation that you are on the right track comes when you make a move.
Move Forward with Faith and Trust
Recognizing when God speaks is a process. It requires both faith and trust that Heavenly Father will speak to you and help you do far more than you can do on your own. It’s also important to remember that Heavenly Father trusts you not only to seek His guidance in your own life but also to bless and uplift those around you.
You won’t always have all the answers. You are not expected to. But you are encouraged to act with faith. As you do, you’ll find that God can speak in more ways than you can imagine. Over time, His voice will become clearer, His guidance more apparent, and His presence more noticeable to help you become what He knows you can become.