Need Better Spiritual Reception? Try Creating Stillness in Your Life

By Shauna Jones Norton

Quiet moments can help us clear our minds and invite the Spirit.

a woman holding her phone up and trying to get better cell reception

Have you ever felt like you’re sending up prayers and getting no response? You ask for answers, comfort, or direction, but it seems like the Lord is silent?

I’ve been there. But sometimes I wonder—during those times when I felt like God wasn’t answering me, maybe He was sending answers.

Maybe I just wasn’t in a place to receive them.

The Power of Quiet Time

A while ago, I listened to a talk where President M. Russell Ballard (1928–2023) spoke to young adults. He said something that really struck me:

“Do you have any personal quiet time? I have wondered if those who lived in the past had more opportunity than we do now to see, feel, and experience the presence of the Spirit in their lives.

“Seemingly, as our world gets brighter, louder, and busier, we have a greater challenge feeling the Spirit in our lives. If your life is void of quiet time, would you begin … to seek for some?”

Wait, what?

Out of everything we’re asked to do, is stillness that important? I was curious, so I wanted to know what President Russell M. Nelson had said about quiet time too. He taught:

“We can use our time to hear the voice of the Lord whispering His guidance, comfort, and peace. Quiet time is sacred time—time that will facilitate personal revelation and instill peace.

“Discipline yourself to have time alone and with your loved ones. Open your heart to God in prayer. Take time to immerse yourself in the scriptures and worship in the temple.”

So quiet time is key. But how does that work?

Improving Your Reception

I had a period in my life when I felt disconnected from Heavenly Father. Even though I was going to the temple, praying, and reading scriptures, I still felt overwhelmed. I realized I had been doing important spiritual things, but I wasn’t allowing quiet time in my life to really ponder my connection with Heavenly Father. I decided to try meditation—to take a break from the world and to deepen my sensitivity to the Spirit.

After I started setting aside quiet time to meditate and tried to connect with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, I felt a huge difference in my ability to recognize Their guidance in my life. I also felt more peace and joy in my circumstances.

Bishop L. Todd Budge, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, testified, “Being still … requires more than just making time for the Lord—it requires letting go of our doubtful and fearful thoughts and focusing our hearts and minds on Him.”

If you’re wanting to add more stillness to your life and connect with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, pondering your scriptures, spending time in the temple, and daily prayer are wonderful ways to hear Them. You can also spend other moments in stillness through practices like these:

Start small: Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed, and sit for just a few minutes, focusing on breathing slowly.
Pick a favorite scripture: Turn the scripture into a simple phrase to repeat in your mind while you take deep breaths.
Play soft music: Use calming sounds to help you relax your body and quiet your mind.
Spend time disconnected from the world: Take a walk or sit in nature without listening to any music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Just focus on seeing God’s beautiful creations, pondering, and praying.

Listening for His Voice

If you feel like you’re struggling to hear the Lord’s voice, remember—sometimes we’re not in a place of stillness, mentally or physically, to hear Him clearly. And other times, even with increased stillness, sometimes Heavenly Father just requires that we wait patiently for His will. Regardless, quiet time can help improve our reception with Him and help us grow confident in our divine identity, our purpose, and our faith.

We often need a little quiet time to recognize the Lord’s guidance. Take the time to bring stillness to your heart and mind so you can hear Him.