Lesson 6

How does the Holy Ghost communicate with us?

The Holy Ghost bears witness of the truth. He is the source of personal testimony and revelation. He can guide us in our decisions and protect us from physical and spiritual danger. He is known as the Comforter, and He can calm our fears and fill us with hope. Through His power, we are sanctified as we repent, receive saving ordinances, and keep our covenants. In order to serve others and receive all the blessings the Lord has for us, it is essential that we learn to listen to and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Woman praying during scripture study

As a teacher, prepare yourself spiritually

How has the gift of the Holy Ghost comforted or helped you personally? When have you felt close to the Spirit? What experiences can you share with those you teach?

Have the service members had experiences with the gift of the Holy Ghost? Do they understand what they must do to be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost?

Prayerfully study the following scriptures and resources. Other resources may be included later in the outline as well.

• Proverbs 4:18 (Light of the just)

• 1 Nephi 2:16–20 (Nephi’s example of being receptive to the Holy Ghost)

• 1 Nephi 15:1–11 (Disobeying the commandments prevents us from receiving the Holy Ghost)

• 1 Nephi 16:14–29; 18:8–22; Alma 37:38–46 (The Liahona as a type of the Holy Ghost)

• 2 Nephi 32:5 (The Holy Ghost shows us what we should do)

• D&C 6:14–15 (Enlightens our minds)

• D&C 6:22–23 (Speaks peace to our minds)

• D&C 8:2–3 (Gives revelation to our minds and hearts)

• D&C 11:12–13 (Leads us to do good; fills our souls with joy)

• D&C 20:77 (By partaking of the sacrament, we renew our covenants and can always have the Spirit with us)

• D&C 50:24 (Light of Christ)

• D&C 121:45–46 (If we are virtuous and charitable, the Holy Ghost will be our constant companion)

• David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 87–90

• Boyd K. Packer, “The Gift of the Holy Ghost: What Every Member Should Know,” Ensign, August 2006, 46–52; Liahona, August 2006, 18–23

• Videos: “Patterns of Light: The Light of Christ”; “Patterns of Light: Discerning Light”; “Patterns of Light: Spirit of Revelation”

Begin the learning experience

Use the following idea or think of one of your own to introduce the lesson.

• What does it mean to receive personal revelation from the Holy Ghost? Invite the service members to think about this question throughout the lesson. Each of the following activities can help the service members understand how to receive personal revelation from the Holy Ghost.

Teaching tip

“One of the most important things you can do as a teacher is to help those you teach recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost. This is especially true when teaching . . . youth and new members—you are preparing them to receive personal revelation, avoid deception, and develop spiritual self-reliance. As prompted by the Holy Ghost, ask learners what they are feeling and what they feel prompted to do. Help them associate their spiritual feelings with the influence of the Holy Ghost” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way [2016], 11).

Learn together

Invite class members to view and discuss the “Patterns of Light” videos, a three­part series featuring Elder David A. Bednar. These videos will help the service members understand how the Holy Ghost communicates with us. Use the LDS Media Library to access the videos.

• In part one, “The Light of Christ,” Elder David A. Bednar discusses how we receive and perceive light from God. Part one centers on the properties of light and how the Light of Christ affects all men and women everywhere (see D&C 50:24). How does Elder Bednar describe the difference between light and darkness? (If necessary, explain that light chases darkness, darkness cannot overrule the light, light is warm, and darkness is cold.) Is your testimony your own source of light? What will increase light in your life? What is the Light of Christ? Discuss that it is more than conscience and natural behavior. It is the influence of God that encourages us and invites us toward greater light. How can you add light to your life?

• Part two of this series, “Discerning Light,” explains how we recognize divine light and discern divine influence from our own thoughts. In part two, Elder Bednar discusses how to discern and act upon light from God. Help service members understand and apply this gospel principle. What covenants did we make at baptism? Explain that at one time or another in our lives, we may question whether inspiration comes from ourselves or from God. How does Elder Bednar explain how to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost?

• In part three, Elder Bednar explains the patterns of light by which God communicates with us and how these patterns lead to the spirit of revelation. Discuss Elder Bednar’s three levels of light—specifically, a light switch, a sunrise, and walking in the fog one step at a time. Discuss how each of these three levels of light illustrates how God communicates with us through the spirit of revelation. Ponder and consider where you are in your life concerning patterns of light in God’s communication with you.

• If the class is large enough, divide class members into small groups of two or four people. Ask members of each group to share experiences they have had where they felt inspired by the Holy Ghost. After service members have discussed in their groups, ask some of them to share their experiences with the class. You may also want to share an experience you have had.

• If you have time, discuss the following questions: What methods does the Holy Ghost use to communicate with our hearts or inspire our thoughts? What do we feel when we have the Spirit with us? How can the Holy Ghost clarify what we should do with our lives? Why is it important for us to always keep the Spirit with us?

• What can you do to receive more guidance from the Holy Ghost? Ask service members to ponder what they can do in their own lives to receive more guidance from the Holy Ghost. Ask them to be more aware throughout the week of when they receive inspiration from the Holy Ghost and to record, where possible, their thoughts and feelings.

Ask the service members what they learned today. Do they understand what it means to receive the Holy Ghost? What feelings or impressions have they received recently? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this doctrine?

Invite to act

Invite service members to act by:

• Seeking to recognize and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost when they come.

• Keeping the commandments and living more like the Savior.

• Praying for the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

Teaching in the Savior’s way

The Savior promised His ancient Apostles: “I will not leave you comfortless” (John 14:18). How can you help the service members access the guidance and comfort of the Holy Ghost during their training? What can you do to seek His influence in your life?