Promptings of the Spirit
Gary E. Stevenson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Gary E. Stevenson describes how to invite and recognize promptings of the Spirit through four guiding principles.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Understanding Spiritual Gifts
Elder Stevenson discusses the spiritual gifts that God bestows upon His children, emphasizing that these gifts must be exercised and refined, much like natural talents.
God endows His children with many spiritual gifts, making them spiritually gifted people.
Exercising spiritual gifts requires spiritual exercise.Key Points:
- God's children are bestowed with spiritual gifts, including the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- Spiritual gifts need to be refined and honed through spiritual work.
- Can you recall a time when you felt you were exercising a spiritual gift?
- How have you worked to refine and hone your spiritual gifts?
- What impact have spiritual gifts had in your life?
Inviting and Recognizing the Spirit's Promptings
Elder Stevenson provides four guiding principles for inviting and recognizing the Spirit's promptings: standing in holy places, standing with holy people, testifying of holy truths, and listening to the Holy Spirit.
Promptings of the Spirit are very personal and come in different ways.
Stand in holy places.
Stand with holy people.
Testify of holy truths.
Listen to the Holy Spirit.Key Points:
- The Spirit's promptings can be invited and recognized through certain actions and attitudes.
- Being in holy places and with holy people can invite the Spirit.
- Testifying of holy truths invites the Spirit.
- Listening to the Spirit requires quiet and attentiveness.
- What experiences have you had with recognizing the Spirit's promptings?
- How have holy places or holy people influenced your ability to feel the Spirit?
- Can you share an experience where testifying of truths invited the Spirit's presence?
- How have you learned to listen to the Spirit?
Words of Caution Regarding Spiritual Impressions
Elder Stevenson provides cautionary guidance for interpreting spiritual impressions, emphasizing the importance of alignment with scriptures and teachings, respecting boundaries, patience, and using personal 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.Key Points:
- Spiritual impressions should align with scriptures and teachings of the prophets.
- Unless called by proper authority, impressions are not given to counsel or correct others.
- Inspiration cannot be forced; patience is required.
- God-given intelligence should be used in decision-making.
- Can you think of a time when you had to confirm a spiritual impression?
- Have you ever had to exercise patience while waiting for spiritual guidance?
- How have you used your own judgment in conjunction with spiritual impressions?
The Importance of the Holy Ghost as a Constant Companion
Elder Stevenson emphasizes the significance of having the Holy Ghost as a constant companion in our lives, highlighting its role in guiding, directing, comforting, and influencing us.
The constant companionship of the Holy Ghost is one of the greatest spiritual gifts Latter-day Saints enjoy.
In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.Key Points:
- The Holy Ghost is a crucial spiritual gift for Latter-day Saints.
- The Holy Ghost guides, directs, comforts, and influences us.
- How has the Holy Ghost been a constant companion in your life?
- Can you share an experience where the Holy Ghost guided, directed, or comforted you?
- How has the influence of the Holy Ghost helped you in your spiritual journey?
