Study Guide for "Promptings of the Spirit"

In his talk, Elder Gary E. Stevenson uses the analogy of gifted performers to discuss the spiritual gifts that God bestows upon His children. He emphasizes the importance of exercising these spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Elder Stevenson provides four guiding principles for inviting and recognizing the promptings of the Spirit and concludes with an invitation for individuals to recognize their spiritual gifts and the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

How does Elder Stevenson relate the exercise of spiritual gifts to the training of gifted performers?
What are the four guiding principles Elder Stevenson provides for inviting and recognizing the promptings of the Spirit?
What cautionary guidance does Elder Stevenson offer regarding spiritual impressions?
How does Elder Stevenson invite individuals to recognize their own spiritual gifts?

Topics

Understanding and Exercising Spiritual Gifts

Elder Stevenson emphasizes that just like gifted performers, individuals must practice and refine their spiritual gifts. He highlights several spiritual gifts, including the gift of a testimony of Jesus Christ, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the gifts of wisdom and knowledge. The fruits of exercising these spiritual gifts include promptings from the Spirit, blessings of peace and comfort, and magnified abilities and capacities.

God endows His children with many spiritual gifts, making them spiritually gifted people.

Exercising spiritual gifts requires spiritual exercise.

These precious spiritual gifts will help us in every aspect of our lives.

What are some of the spiritual gifts Elder Stevenson mentions?
What does it mean to exercise spiritual gifts?
What are the fruits of exercising spiritual gifts?
Which spiritual gifts do you recognize in yourself?
How have you exercised your spiritual gifts?
In what ways have you seen the fruits of exercising your spiritual gifts in your own life?

Inviting and Recognizing the Promptings of the Spirit

Elder Stevenson provides four guiding principles for inviting and recognizing the promptings of the Spirit: standing in holy places, standing with holy people, testifying of holy truths, and listening to the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of being in places and with people where the Spirit can easily dwell, sharing testimonies, and being attentive to the subtle, quiet tones of the Spirit.

Let me offer four guiding principles that may be of assistance to you in inviting and recognizing the promptings of the Spirit.

The Comforter always shares His voice when we testify with our voice.

The noise, clamor, and contention prevalent in the world may overpower still, quiet impressions of the Holy Spirit.

What are the four guiding principles Elder Stevenson provides for inviting and recognizing the promptings of the Spirit?
Why is it important to stand in holy places and with holy people?
What role does testifying play in recognizing the promptings of the Spirit?
How does Elder Stevenson suggest we listen to the Holy Spirit?
How can you apply these four principles in your life?
What changes might you need to make to better invite and recognize the promptings of the Spirit?
Can you recall a time when you felt the Spirit while standing in a holy place or with holy people?

Cautionary Guidance for Spiritual Impressions

Elder Stevenson provides several cautionary guidelines for interpreting spiritual impressions, including confirming that impressions align with scriptures and teachings of living prophets, ensuring that feelings are consistent with one's assignment, understanding that spiritual matters cannot be forced, and using one's best judgment.

Confirm your spiritual impressions.

Be certain that the feelings you receive are consistent with your assignment.

Spiritual matters cannot be forced.

Use your own best judgment.

What cautionary guidance does Elder Stevenson provide for interpreting spiritual impressions?
Why is it important to confirm spiritual impressions with scriptures and teachings of living prophets?
What does Elder Stevenson mean when he says that spiritual matters cannot be forced?
Why should we use our best judgment when interpreting spiritual impressions?
How have you applied Elder Stevenson's cautionary guidance in your own life?
Can you recall a time when you confirmed a spiritual impression with scriptures or teachings of living prophets?
How can you better use your best judgment when interpreting spiritual impressions?

Recognizing Our Spiritual Gifts and the Companionship of the Holy Ghost

Elder Stevenson concludes by inviting individuals to recognize their spiritual gifts and the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. He encourages individuals to affirm their divine nature as children of God and their giftedness, particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost.

I close with an invitation especially for all youth! Many of you start your day by standing in front of a mirror. Tomorrow, this week, this year, always, pause as you look at yourself in the mirror. Think to yourself, or say aloud if you like, "Wow, look at me! I am awesome! I am a child of God! He knows me! He loves me! I am gifted—gifted with the Holy Ghost as my constant companion!"

What invitation does Elder Stevenson extend at the end of his talk?
Why is it important to recognize our spiritual gifts and the companionship of the Holy Ghost?
How can you better recognize your spiritual gifts and the companionship of the Holy Ghost?
What might change in your life if you regularly affirm your divine nature and giftedness as Elder Stevenson suggests?