What’s the most life-changing skill I’ve learned this past year? The one thing I wish I could share with everyone?
I attended a “Heaven Journaling” class by Becky Edwards where I learned a simple pattern for seeking personal revelation through scripture study. I accepted her 30-day challenge. I was a little hesitant, but very curious.
And, day 1…it actually worked! I was amazed at how beautiful and perfect my answer was, as if I had somehow chosen the very best chapter for my question.
Could it work a second time? And third? And fourth?
Yes. Despite my doubts and inconsistencies, each day that I did it, I received messages straight from God, delivered by the Spirit. They were beautiful. Powerful. Sometimes simple; but usually layered and complex. At times, they came directly from the words I read. Other times they came as thoughts that entered my mind while reading.
I felt greater spiritual strength to follow through with promptings I’d received, to face my fears, to overcome my challenges. I had a much closer connection to the Spirit, and it was exciting.
I know there are MANY ways to seek and receive personal revelation. This has become one of my favorites. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to just “reading” the scriptures. “Searching” the scriptures has brought the scriptures to life again for me. They’ve become more “delicious” and “precious” and “desirable” than ever before.
Here is the pattern I was taught. It will seem familiar, because these principles have been emphasized repeatedly:
1. ASK A QUESTION in PRAYER (and WRITE IT DOWN):
I ask the question that’s weighing heaviest on my heart and mind that day. I’ve asked temporal questions, like “should we replace our carpet?”, parenting questions, like “what can I do to help this child?”, doctrinal questions, like “how is it really possible to overcome addictions?” and general questions, like “what message do you have for me about _________?”
2. LOOK FOR AN ANSWER IN THE SCRIPTURES:
You can randomly open up anywhere and begin reading, or seek to be led where to read, or just read where you’re at chronologically. The Spirit can give us answers wherever we are reading, but if you’re not finding an answer, you may try looking in a different chapter.
3. WRITE DOWN ANSWERS THAT COME:
Elder Scott taught “Inspiration carefully recorded shows God that His communications are sacred to us” (Ensign, May 2012). I’ve noticed that I often receive more once I begin writing. And if I don’t write it down, I’ll forget my answers the next day.
4. END WITH A PRAYER OF GRATITUDE:
When we are thankful, God will give us more.
This doesn’t have to take long. It can be simple and quick. It’s not “one more thing” to do, but rather, doing something more effectively.
If you’re looking for a way to respond to President Nelson’s plea in April 2018:
“I plea with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. ... Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly”
Then give this a try!
I’d LOVE to hear about your experiences.
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