How to invite and recognize the Spirit

When seeking the Spirit and personal revelation, it’s important to do so within the correct framework. Quoting Preach My Gospel, Elder [Gary E.] Stevenson said: “‘Having the guidance of the Holy Ghost in your life requires spiritual work. This work includes fervent prayer and consistent scripture study. It also includes keeping your covenants and God’s commandments. … It includes worthily partaking of the sacrament each week’ [Preach My Gospel, 101].”

He then provided four additional guiding principles for “inviting and recognizing the promptings of the Spirit”:

1. 1. Stand in Holy Places: “Our temples and homes are the most sacred of these dedicated spaces.”

2. 2. Stand with Holy People: “If you hope to feel the Spirit, be with people with whom the Spirit can easily dwell.”

3. 3. Testify of Holy Truths: “The Comforter always shares his voice when we testify with our voice.”

4. 4. Listen to the Holy Spirit: “He speaks in subtle, quiet tones. … Find a quiet place, a holy space where you can seek to receive direction from the Spirit.”

 

As quoted in 

When Spiritual Experiences Are Different from What You Expected

By Abby Larkins

Church Magazines

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2024/08/young-adults/13-when-spiritual-experiences-are-different-from-what-you-expected?lang=eng

"we will never be prompted by the Holy Ghost to do something we cannot do."

Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "To Learn and to Teach More Effectively," BYU Speeches, Aug. 21, 2007

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/richard-g-scott_to-learn-and-to-teach-more-effectively/

"The Holy Ghost is [the Father and the Son’s] minister to bring truths to our remembrance, to reveal new truths to us, and teach, guide, and direct the course of every mind, until we become perfected and prepared to go home, where we can see and converse with our Father in Heaven."

- Brigham Young, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 28–35, Chapter 4: Knowing and Honoring the Godhead
http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-brigham-young/chapter-4?lang=eng

"Persons must so live that they can enjoy the light of the Holy Spirit, or they will have no confidence in themselves, in their religion, or in their God, and will sooner or later turn from the faith."

- Brigham Young, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 41–47, Chapter 6: The Communication between God and Man
http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-brigham-young/chapter-6?lang=eng

As we become more conversant with the Holy Spirit, our lives become refined

"As we become more conversant with the Holy Spirit, our lives become refined. The sordid and base have no attraction. It is developed spirituality which separates us from the secular world.

"A spiritual-minded man is observant of the beauty in the world around him....Our awareness of grand music, literature, and sublime art is often a natural product of spiritual maturity....

"As we seek the Spirit, our scripture reading becomes more reflective....

"As an evidence of increased spirituality we become more selective in what we read....

"Another fruit of spiritual maturity is improved prayer....

"Those who have made it their quest to realize the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit will awaken in the next life as spiritual giants, in contrast to the infancy of others who have lived without God in this world....

"...seek the Spirit of God....It will not come to impure hearts or minds. It comes quietly and without drama. A listening ear can hear the faint rustle of a wing. If we do not listen, it will leave."

- Elder Douglas L. Callister, Of the Second Quorum of the Seventy, "Seeking the Spirit of God," General Conference, Oct 2000
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/10/seeking-the-spirit-of-god?lang=eng

"If any man lacks the Spirit of God, let him go to work and labor for the advancement of the kingdom of God, and he will have the Spirit of God."

- Heber J. Grant, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, (2011), 183, Chapter 20: The Still, Small Voice of Revelation
http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-heber-j-grant/chapter-20?lang=eng

The Spirit is felt rather than heard

"The voice of the Spirit is a still, small voice—a voice that is felt rather than heard. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought put into your heart."

- Pres. Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "The Cloven Tongues of Fire," General Conference, Apr 2000
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/04/the-cloven-tongues-of-fire?lang=eng

"No amount of time in front of the mirror will make you as attractive as having the Holy Ghost with you."

- Sheri L. Dew, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, "It Is Not Good for Man or Woman to Be Alone," Ensign, Nov 2001, p. 13
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/11/it-is-not-good-for-man-or-woman-to-be-alone?lang=eng

“When there is contention, the Spirit of the Lord will depart, regardless of who is at fault.”

- James E. Faust, “What I Want My Son to Know before He Leaves on His Mission,” General Conference, Apr 1996

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/04/what-i-want-my-son-to-know-before-he-leaves-on-his-mission?lang=eng

To sin, we first resist the Spirit

"It is helpful to remember that when we are faced with a wrong choice, the Holy Ghost will prompt us to do right. To partake of sin, we must first resist the Spirit."

- Elder Harold C. Brown, Area Authority Seventy, "The Marvelous Gift of Choice," Ensign, Dec 2001
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/12/the-marvelous-gift-of-choice?lang=eng