a key to unlock revelation (Scott)

“Pondering a passage of scripture can be a key to unlock revelation and the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life….Scriptures can communicate different meanings at different times in our life, according to our needs.” 

-Elder Richard G. Scott (Ensign, Nov. 2011, 6)

learn to ask (Scott)

“One of the great lessons that each of us needs to learn is to ask,” Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles says. “Why does the Lord want us to pray to Him and to ask? Because that is how revelation is received.”

Elder Scott testifies, “The scriptures give eloquent confirmation of how truth, consistently lived, opens the door to inspiration to know what to do and, where needed, to have personal capacities enhanced by divine power. The scriptures depict how an individual’s capacity to conquer difficulty, doubt, and seemingly insurmountable challenges is strengthened by the Lord in time of need. As you ponder such examples, there will come a quiet confirmation through the Holy Spirit that their experiences are true. You will come to know that similar help is available to you.”

And he notes that “I have seen individuals encountering challenges who knew what to do when it was beyond their own experience because they trusted in the Lord and knew that He would guide them to solutions that were urgently required.”

Elder Scott says, “Two indicators that a feeling or prompting comes from God are that it produces peace in your heart and a quiet, warm feeling. … The more closely you follow divine guidance, the greater will be your happiness here and for eternity—moreover, the more abundant your progress and capacity to serve. I do not understand fully how it is done, but that guidance in your life does not take away your agency. You can make the decisions you choose to make. But remember, the disposition to do right brings peace of mind and happiness.”

Elder Scott also cautions, “Communication with our Father in Heaven is not a trivial matter. It is a sacred privilege. It is based upon eternal, unchanging principles. We receive help from our Father in Heaven in response to our faith, obedience, and the proper use of agency.”

Elder Richard G. Scott

http://www.lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today/unto-all-the-world/guided-by-inspiration?lang=eng

The Power of Scripture

http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-power-of-scripture?lang=eng

Spiritual communication cannot be forced (Richard G. Scott)

…one cannot “call down” the Spirit as some are prone to say.  We can create an appropriate environment for the Holy Ghost to instruct us.  Spiritual communication cannot be forced.  We must qualify ourselves and be ready to receive the Lord’s guidance and direction when He determines to provide it.  No matter how urgent our personal timetable, the Lord responds according to His will.


Richard G. Scott, address to religious educators, given at BYU August 11, 1998

answers to prayer

“He [Heavenly Father] is our perfect Father. He loves us beyond our capacity to understand. He knows what is best for us. He sees the end from the beginning. He wants us to act to gain needed experience:

“When He answers yes, it is to give us confidence.

“When He answers no, it is to prevent error.

“When He withholds an answer, it is to have us grow through faith in Him, obedience to His commandments, and a willingness to act on truth.”

Richard G. Scott, “Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayer,” Ensign, Nov. 1989, 30

improved prayers

“A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the strength to fulfill it.”

Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2007, 8

To Live Well

recent BYU address by Elder Scott:

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1949

To Acquire Spiritual Guidance

http://lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/to-acquire-spiritual-guidance?lang=eng

authorizing the Spirit to teach you

Impressions of the Spirit can come in response to urgent prayer or unsolicited when needed. Sometimes the Lord reveals truth to you when you are not actively seeking it, such as when you are in danger and do not know it. However, the Lord will not force you to learn. You must exercise your agency to authorize the Spirit to teach you. As you make this a practice in your life, you will be more perceptive to the feelings that come with spiritual guidance. Then, when that guidance comes, sometimes when you least expect it, you will recognize it more easily.

Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 8

authorizing the Spirit to teach you

“Impressions of the Spirit can come in response to urgent prayer or unsolicited when needed. Sometimes the Lord reveals truth to you when you are not actively seeking it, such as when you are in danger and do not know it. However, the Lord will not force you to learn. You must exercise your agency to authorize the Spirit to teach you. As you make this a practice in your life, you will be more perceptive to the feelings that come with spiritual guidance. Then, when that guidance comes, sometimes when you least expect it, you will recognize it more easily.”

Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 8