- What are some questions to ask God in prayer to begin developing my ability to receive revelation?
Larry R. Lawrence of the Seventy gave a general
conference talk in which he provided several examples of questions
that people have asked God in prayer in order to progress
spiritually:
The journey of discipleship is not an easy one.
It has been called a “course of steady improvement.”2 As we
travel along that strait and narrow path, the Spirit continually
challenges us to be better and to climb higher. The Holy Ghost makes
an ideal traveling companion. If we are humble and teachable, He will
take us by the hand and lead us home.
However, we need to ask the Lord for directions
along the way. We have to ask some difficult questions, like “What
do I need to change?” “How can I improve?” “What weakness
needs strengthening?”
Let’s consider the New Testament account of
the rich young ruler. He was a righteous young man who was already
keeping the Ten Commandments, but he wanted to become better. His
goal was eternal life.
When he met the Savior, he asked, “What lack
I yet?”
I knew a faithful mother who humbled herself
and asked, “What is keeping me from progressing?” In her case,
the response from the Spirit came immediately: “Stop complaining.”
A humble young man who couldn’t seem to find
the right young woman went to the Lord for help: “What is keeping
me from being the right man?” he asked. This answer came into his
mind and heart: “Clean up your language.”
A single sister bravely asked the question:
“What do I need to change?” and the Spirit whispered to her,
“Don’t interrupt people when they are talking.” The Holy Ghost
really does give customized counsel. He is a completely honest
companion and will tell us things that no one else knows or has the
courage to say.
One returned missionary found himself stressed
with a very heavy schedule. He was trying to find time for work,
studies, family, and a Church calling. He asked the Lord for counsel:
“How can I feel at peace with all that I need to do?” The answer
was not what he expected; he received the impression that he should
more carefully observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy. He decided
to dedicate Sunday to God’s service—to lay aside his school
courses on that day and study the gospel instead. This small
adjustment brought the peace and balance that he was seeking.
Years ago I read in a Church magazine the story
of a girl who was living away from home and going to college. She was
behind in her classes, her social life was not what she had hoped
for, and she was generally unhappy. Finally one day she fell to her
knees and cried out, “What can I do to improve my life?” The Holy
Ghost whispered, “Get up and clean your room.” This prompting
came as a complete surprise, but it was just the start she needed.
After taking time to organize and put things in order, she felt the
Spirit fill her room and lift her heart.
I would like to suggest that each of you
participate in a spiritual exercise sometime soon, perhaps even
tonight while saying your prayers. Humbly ask the Lord the following
question: “What is keeping me from progressing?” In other words:
“What lack I yet?” Then wait quietly for a response. If you are
sincere, the answer will soon become clear. It will be revelation
intended just for you.
Perhaps the Spirit will tell you that you need
to forgive someone. Or you may receive a message to be more selective
about the movies you watch or the music you listen to. You may feel
impressed to be more honest in your business dealings or more
generous in your fast offerings. The possibilities are endless.
The Spirit can show us our weaknesses, but He
is also able to show us our strengths. Sometimes we need to ask what
we are doing right so that the Lord can lift and encourage us. When
we read our patriarchal blessings, we are reminded that our Heavenly
Father knows our divine potential. He rejoices every time we take a
step forward. To Him, our direction is ever more important than our
speed.
(https://www.lds.org/ensign/2015/11/saturday-morning-session/what-lack-i-yet?lang=eng)
Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve
suggested that we ask to be taught about priesthood:
Are you willing to worship in the temple
regularly? The Lord loves to do His own teaching in His holy house.
Imagine how pleased He would be if you asked Him to teach you about
priesthood keys, authority, and power as you experience the
ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood in the holy temple. Imagine
the increase in priesthood power that could be yours.
(https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/the-price-of-priesthood-power?lang=eng)
Mark Virkler recommends starting with questions
such as, “Lord, do you love me?”, “Lord, how do you see me?”,
and “Lord, what would you like to tell me right now?”
Harold B. Lee observed that you can receive
revelation for anything in your life:
Every man has the privilege to exercise these
gifts and these privileges in the conduct of his own affairs; in
bringing up his children in the way they should go; in the management
of his business, or whatever he does. It is his right to enjoy the
spirit of revelation and of inspiration to do the right thing, to be
wise and prudent, just and good, in everything that he does. I know
that is a true principle, and that is the thing that I would like the
Latter-day Saints to know. Now then, all of us should try to strive
and give heed to the sudden ideas that come to us, and if we’ll
give heed to them and cultivate an ear to hear these promptings we
too—each of us—can grow in the spirit of revelation.
(https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-harold-b-lee/chapter-6?lang=eng)
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