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Receiving Revelation—Recent Messages from Prophets, Apostles, and Other Church Leaders
See what Church leaders have taught recently on social media about revelation.
Jesus Kneeling in Prayer and Meditation, by Michael Jarvis Nelson
President Russell M. Nelson has taught: “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.
“My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. … Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.”1 How can we do that?
Prophets, apostles, and other Church leaders have given many invitations and teachings in general conference to help us learn to receive and act on revelation. They have also shared messages about this topic on social media, including the following:
Revelation Continues
“I wish to share some of what I have learned about the Prophet Joseph Smith.
“Joseph Smith’s comparative youth overarched his prophetic ministry. He was 14 at the time of the First Vision, 21 when he received the gold plates, and just 23 when he finished translating the Book of Mormon (in less than 60 working days). Over half of the revelations in our Doctrine and Covenants were given through this prophet when he was 25 or younger. He was 26 when the First Presidency was organized and just over 33 when he escaped from imprisonment in Missouri and resumed leadership of the Saints gathering in Nauvoo. He was only thirty-eight and a half when he was murdered.
“The key to the uniqueness of Joseph Smith’s message and the Restoration is revelation. Revelation is the foundation of our Church doctrine and governance. Joseph Smith declared, ‘The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded upon direct revelation, as the true Church of God has ever been’ (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 195).
“In our day, revelation continues to guide the Church. Likewise, each of us can receive revelation for our own lives. May we each utilize the gift of personal revelation in our lives and truly seek to #HearHim.”
President Dallin H. Oaks, Facebook, Mar. 24, 2020, facebook.com/dallin.h.oaks.
Know the Roles of the Holy Ghost
“When I think back to when I was a young adult, one of the things that comes to my mind is when I was a missionary in England. It was just after World War II, and the Church of Jesus Christ was just getting reestablished there. I was responsible for being a leader in my mission, and I was only 20 years old! I admit that as missionaries, we were a little reckless at that age.
“One day a man invited me to come to a debating society meeting and represent our Church. I agreed to attend, but I had no idea what I was walking into! I found myself in the position of explaining the Church to a large group of people and answering their questions. It was on that occasion that I had my first realization of the power of the Holy Ghost. I’d taught about the Holy Ghost, and I’d read about it, but on this occasion I experienced it.
“As questions were asked, I had the answer in my mind before they had finished asking the question. I had the ability to move through the scriptures in a way that I had never experienced before. It seemed to me that the pages were being turned by someone else as I defended the Church.
“As I think back to that experience 73 years ago, I realize I learned something that has blessed me all these years. I came to know for myself that the Holy Ghost is in fact the Comforter and that by and through God’s power, He brings to our mind the words of the Lord.
“I hope you’re having the same experience as a young adult. Stay anchored in your study of the scriptures, and say your prayers every day. Start your day with a prayer, end your day with a prayer, and talk to the Lord as necessary throughout the day. Whatever your circumstances, I hope you will have the same experience I had with the Holy Ghost at your age.”
President M. Russell Ballard, Facebook, Apr. 14, 2021, facebook.com/mrussell.ballard.
Have Still and Quiet Moments
“Receiving revelation comes, at least in my case, when I have still and quiet moments. You cannot connect with heaven in a mass of clutter. You have to find those quiet moments in your life when you can contemplate the things of the Spirit. In my experience, when I am in that mode and striving to be still, that’s when I get impressions. That’s when I get a thought that I know is from heaven.
“I have great worry for my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren—in fact, all young people—in the world today. I fear that they are being captured by social media, texting, emails, and other distractions. While technology can be a blessing in our lives, it can also be a distraction that places a barrier between us and our ability to hear the Lord’s voice. I tell my grandchildren that they should set aside quiet time each day to think about their lives and ponder what the Lord wants them to do. I encourage you to do the same.”
President M. Russell Ballard, Facebook, Aug. 9, 2020, facebook.com/mrussell.ballard.
Commune with Your Heavenly Father
At different times in the Savior’s life, He took opportunities to be alone to ponder and pray. I invite you to spend some time in the next few days to be alone in a quiet place to commune with your Heavenly Father. #HearHim
President M. Russell Ballard, Facebook, Mar. 23, 2020, facebook.com/mrussell.ballard.
Have a Teachable Heart
“Choose to be humble. Voluntarily seek the Lord and trust His guidance. We’re more prepared to hear Him when we have a teachable heart.”
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Facebook, Nov. 3, 2022, facebook.com/jeffreyr.holland.
Make Small and Simple Acts of Realignment
“Time of introspection is an opportunity for spiritual recalibration. It is a garden of reflection where we can walk with the Lord and be instructed, edified, and purified by the written and Spirit-revealed word of our Heavenly Father. It is a sacred time when we remember our solemn covenants to follow the gentle Christ, when we assess our progress and align ourselves with the spiritual landmarks God has provided for His children.
“Think of it as your personal, daily restoration. On our journey as pilgrims on the path of glory, we know how easy it is to fall away. But just as minor deviations can draw us out of the Savior’s Way, so too can small and simple acts of realignment assuredly lead us back. When darkness creeps into our lives, as it often does, our daily restoration opens our hearts to heavenly light, which illuminates our souls, chasing away shadows, fears, and doubts.”
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Facebook, Mar. 11, 2022, facebook.com/dieterf.uchtdorf.
Look unto the Savior
“As you seek inspiration to gain the wisdom you need in your lives, I invite you to look unto the Savior. One excellent way to come unto Christ is to read the Book of Mormon—from beginning to end—and identify the attributes and characteristics of Jesus Christ found therein. As you do this with real intent and sincerity of heart, you can come to hear His voice. You can come to know Him in a very remarkable way.”
Elder David A. Bednar, Facebook, Sept. 12, 2021, facebook.com/davida.bednar.
Honor Our Covenants
“As we honor our covenants and keep God’s commandments, we are blessed to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost. …
“We live in a season of the dispensation of the fulness of times when we have access to remarkable blessings, one of which is the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. With all of the turmoil, with all of the commotion, each of us can be blessed to learn for ourselves the things that are of greatest worth and help us to establish the necessary spiritual priorities. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost as a teacher—as the teacher—and how He helps each of us in so many ways.”
Elder David A. Bednar, Facebook, Aug. 14, 2021, facebook.com/davida.bednar.
Believe That He Will Respond in His Way and Time
“Communication from our Father in Heaven comes in different ways at different times. There’s no one form of revelation or inspiration. God uses a great variety to reach us, whatever He feels is best. And it’s all valid.
“We need to believe that He will respond in His way and time. When we’re diligent in keeping His commandments and have the faith that He will respond, we can hear Him.”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Facebook, May 6, 2021, facebook.com/dtodd.christofferson.
Be Worthy to Hear
“Be worthy to hear the still, small voice as it speaks to you and turns you toward the right. As you listen, as you are worthy and have the guidance of the Holy Ghost, it will keep you safe, guide you in the way you should go, and bring peace to your life.”
Elder Neil L. Andersen, July 20, 2022, facebook.com/neill.andersen.
Ask Heavenly Father to Guide You
“In the coming months or years, you may have challenges. Maybe there are concerns about family members or financial problems. You will wonder what to do. I encourage you to go to your Heavenly Father in prayer. Always remember that you can speak to your Heavenly Father.
“Ask Him to guide you in the many decisions you have to make. As strong as your personal testimony is, it can grow and be stronger. I testify to you that Heavenly Father hears your prayers and will answer you. Sometimes in the most unexpected moments, the revelation you need will come.”
Elder Neil L. Andersen, July 6, 2022, facebook.com/neill.andersen.
Listen to and Heed Promptings
“One of the best parts of 2020 for me has been the opportunity to focus more on our Savior, Jesus Christ, and reflect on the ways that I #HearHim. At a recent devotional, I invited young adults to submit comments about how they hear the voice of the Lord. I was astounded at the amount of comments we received back. Perhaps some of their responses will resonate with you as you consider how to hear Him in your life:
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I hear Him when I pray sincerely. His voice comes to me through pure and quiet thoughts.
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I feel the Spirit through clarity of mind, through thoughts suddenly falling into place when they had been confusing before.
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I hear Him through the beauty of nature and the power of uplifting music.
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I hear Him by the peace He speaks to my mind and the confidence He gives me when I pray for help.
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I hear Him as I interact with those around me. As I serve and receive service, I catch a glimpse of Him.
“I want to assure you that each of us can hear Him by listening to and heeding the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I have seen this countless times in my life.”
Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Nov. 15, 2020, facebook.com/stevenson.gary.e.
Know How the Lord Speaks to You
“President Russell M. Nelson has repeatedly invited us to learn to hear the voice of the Lord. It is paramount for each of us to know how the Lord speaks to us uniquely and individually. Whether it is through a rush of adrenaline, a warm feeling of comfort, or clear thoughts that just make sense, He will speak to you in a way that you will understand.”
Sister Amy A. Wright, Jan. 3, 2023, facebook.com/Primary1stCounselor.