How God Speaks to You
Note: the majority of this meditation is adapted from Elder Bednar's April 2011 General Conference address. See notes for a link to the address.
Close your eyes and bring your attention to your body. Let go of any tension you are holding in your face, jaw, head, neck, shoulders, upper arms, forearms, hands, fingers, chest, stomach, hips, seat, thighs, calves, feet, and toes. Lean your torso slightly from front to back and side to side until you rest into a comfortable posture where you feel centered, balanced, and relaxed.
Now bring your attention to your breath. Inhale deeply, hold for two seconds, now breathe out all the tension, stress, or negativity you might be feeling. One more time. Breathe in deeply, hold, exhale slowly all the way.
In April 2020, President Nelson stated that “[i]t has never been more imperative to know how the Spirit speaks to you than right now.”[1] Do you know how God speaks to you?
Elder Bednar has explained the ways God speaks to us by comparing different patterns of revelation to different experiences with light.
First, A Light Switch
Elder Bednar describes this type of revelation like a light turned on in a dark room. It is receiving a message from God “quickly, completely, and all at once.” [2]
Visualize what it would be like to experience revelation like a light switch. Can you think of a time you have received revelation in this way? Where were you? What were you doing?
Although stories of light-switch revelation are found “in the scriptures [and] Church history,” [3] Elder Bednar explains that “this pattern of revelation tends to be more rare than common.”[4] So if you have not received revelation in this manner, don’t worry.
Second, a Sunrise
Elder Bednar compares “[t]he gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun” to “receiving a message from God ‘line upon line, precept upon precept[5]’” and explains that “[m]ost frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation.” (emphasis added) Another metaphor Elder Bednar uses for this type of revelation is “communications from Heavenly Father [that] gradually and gently ‘distil[s] upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven.’[6]”
Visualize what it would be like to experience revelation like a sunrise, or like dew distilling on your soul. Can you think of a time you have received revelation this way?
And finally, A Sunrise on a Cloudy Day
Elder Bednar points out that “[s]ometimes the sun rises on a morning that is cloudy or foggy. Because of the overcast conditions, perceiving the light is more difficult, and identifying the precise moment when the sun rises over the horizon is not possible. But on such a morning we nonetheless have sufficient light to recognize a new day and to conduct our affairs. In a similar way, we many times receive revelation without recognizing precisely how or when we are receiving revelation.” [7]
Think back to questions you have had or trials you have overcome, and ponder whether you have ever experienced the guidance of revelation without recognizing how or when that revelation was received.
We often have to make decisions and move forward without absolute assurance that we are doing God’s will. But Elder Bednar promises that “as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps. And we can speak with the assurance that God will inspire our utterances.”[8]
How confident are you that God is guiding your steps?
If you are not confident that God is guiding you, consider in a constructive, honest way whether you have any room for improvement in honoring your covenants, keeping the commandments, or doing good? Do you feel like you are striving to become a better version of yourself?
Finally, spend a few minutes pondering this final promise from Elder Bednar: “As you appropriately seek for and apply unto the spirit of revelation, I promise you will ‘walk in the light of the Lord.’[9] Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately you may not even consciously recognize it. But regardless of the pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding,[10] and direct and protect you and your family.”[11]
Ponder whether you have experienced any of these—or any other—patterns of revelation in your life. Do you feel that you understand how God speaks to you? If not, what are you prompted to do to prepare to receive and understand patterns of revelation in your own life?
When you are ready, take a final deep breath and slowly turn your awareness back to your body. As you open your eyes and return to your surroundings, take a moment to jot down any thoughts, promptings, or questions that came to mind while you were pondering. And, if necessary, make a plan to act on those things.
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[1] Russell M. Nelson, “Hear Him,” General Conference, April 2020, pg. 90.
[2] David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation,” General Conference, April 2011.
[3] David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation,” General Conference, April 2011.
[4] David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation,” General Conference, April 2011.
[5] 2 Nephi 28:30
[6] D&C 121:45
[7] David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation,” General Conference, April 2011.
[8] David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation,” General Conference, April 2011.
[9] Isaiah 2:5; 2 Nephi 12:5
[11] David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation,” General Conference, April 2011.