“The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all. …
“Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay
heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit
will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening.”
-Boyd K. Packer (“The Candle of the
Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53).
“When I was a young man in high school, one of my
passions was American football. I played middle linebacker. The coach worked
the team hard, teaching us the basics. We practiced until the skills became
natural and automatic. During one play against our biggest rival, I had an
experience that has helped me over the years. We were on defense. I knew my
assigned opponent, and as the play unfolded, he moved to my right into the line
of scrimmage. There was a lot of noise from players and fans. I reacted as the
coach had taught us and followed my man into the line, not knowing if he had
the ball. To my surprise, I felt the ball partially in my hands. I gave it a
tug, but my opponent didn’t let go. As we tugged back and forth, amid all the
noise I heard a voice yelling, ‘Packer, tackle him!’ That was enough to bring
me to my senses, so I dropped him on the spot.
“I have wondered how I heard that voice above all the
other noise. I had become acquainted with the voice of the coach during the
practices, and I had learned to trust it. I knew that what he taught worked.
“We need to be acquainted with the promptings of the Holy
Ghost, and we need to practice and apply gospel teachings until they become
natural and automatic. These promptings become the foundation of our
testimonies.”
-Allan F. Packer (“Finding Strength in Challenging Times!” Ensign or Liahona, May
2009, 17).
Videos:
Receiving Revelation
Receiving Revelation
Advanced Reading Guide: Should be reading 1 Samuel 9-10.
