Topic

Revelation

As we navigate this difficult and often confusing mortal life, we need God’s guidance and comfort. Because He is the Father of our spirits and loves us with an eternal love, He wants to communicate with us and provide the help we need. This communication is called revelation.

God communicates with His children both collectively and individually. When He gives commandments or guidance applicable to the whole world, He speaks through His mouthpiece on earth: the prophet. The scriptures are filled with teachings given through God’s prophets throughout history that can be used in our day to provide guidance and direction. The scriptures are filled with revelation given through God’s prophets, and though each revelation has specific relevance for the time period in which it was received, many are still relevant in our day. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that “God is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (1 Nephi 10:18), and that just as He spoke through prophets in days of old, God has called prophets and apostles today. He declares that whether His words are given “by mine own voice, or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38). We are promised that the Holy Ghost will give us each our own witness of the divine calling of the prophet and other Church leaders.

However, the prophets are not our only channel of revelation. For our personal and unique challenges—making important decisions or coping with trials, for example—we need personal revelation. This revelation comes in many forms, including inspired thoughts, feelings of comfort and assurance, or words from the scriptures or prophets that stick out to us in answer to our prayers.

We can receive guidance for our own lives as well as to help our families and those who have been placed in our stewardship. Seeking and recognizing personal revelation can be difficult, requiring patience, sincerity, humility, and a willingness to act on the answers we receive. However, the Lord promises that “whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you” (Moroni 7:26). These devotional addresses echo that promise. They help us to understand the nature and process of revelation, both prophetic and personal, and to apply such revelation to our lives so that we can be blessed by it.

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Dale G. Renlund | August 22, 2023

Observation, reason, and faith facilitate revelation and enable the Holy Ghost to be a reliable, trustworthy, and beloved companion.

devotional 2023

Kevin J Worthen | January 10, 2023

God has promised us powerful blessings that can help us through challenges and trials—if we obey the voice of his prophet.

devotional 2023

Peggy S. Worthen, wife to the president of Brigham Young University.

Peggy S. Worthen | January 10, 2023

Spiritual logokophosis, or "word deafness," can affect us. We must be deliberate in listening to the Lord to receive His counsel.

devotional 2023

Keith Vorkink, Advancement Vice President

Keith Vorkink | August 24, 2022

BYU’s strategic plan to share a unique light with the world is accomplished when we unite for group revelation within a gospel methodology.

university conference 2022

Camille N. Johnson | January 11, 2022

President Johnson gives examples from her life on how to become "bound securely to the Savior" so that we can withstand the storms of life.

devotional 2022

W. Christopher Waddell | October 12, 2021

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell shares ways to stay connected to the one true source of knowledge—Jesus Christ—so we can make it safely back home to our Father in Heaven.

devotional 2021

John Bingham, Donald L. Staheli Professor and Associate Dean in the Marriott School of Business

John B. Bingham | August 3, 2021

John B. Bingham invites us to contemplate the goodness of God in awe by acting to believe, recording experiences, and seeking "thin" places.

devotional 2021

BYU associate professor Melissa F. Western.

Melissa F. Western | July 14, 2021

Melissa Western shares how she came to know the Savior, and her testimony that we can each replace our fear with lasting peace from Him.

devotional 2021

Traci B. Nielsen, Associate Professor of Physics

Tracianne B. Neilsen | June 22, 2021

Tracianne B. Neilsen describes "the messy middle of revelation." We can hear God better through things like self-care and gratitude.

devotional 2021

Steven C. Harper, Professor of Church History and Doctrine

Steven C. Harper | June 8, 2021

Steven C. Harper explains how, by study and by faith, we can each become a spiritual seeker and arrive at "other side simplicity."

devotional 2021

Liz Darger, Sr. Associate Athletic Director

Liz Darger | May 19, 2021

As we strive to actively receive and personally minister, we can create a home-court advantage for everyone around us.

devotional 2021

Mark L. Pace | March 16, 2021

Mark L. Pace explains how Christ's sheep still hear His voice by the power of the Holy Ghost. Daily gospel habits help us create change.

devotional 2021

Lawrence E. Corbridge | January 22, 2019

How can we faithfully discover the answers to our difficult questions? Elder Corbridge suggests how to keep the faith when we have moments of uncertainty.

devotional 2019

J. Scott Miller | October 2, 2018

Exercising humility and honesty when seeking answers to life's questions cultivates within us a humble uncertainty which expands our understanding.

devotional 2018

Kevin J Worthen | September 11, 2018

The process of receiving revelation requires familiarizing ourselves with the Spirit. As children of God, all are entitled to His help.

devotional 2018

Michael Orme | June 5, 2018

Michael Orme shares how the principles of receiving revelation and understanding the Spirit are uniquely applied to Brigham Young University.

devotional 2018

Brianna M. Magnusson | May 15, 2018

Professor Brianna M. Magnusson teaches that asking revealing questions will allow us to become familiar with receiving personal revelation.

devotional 2018

Matthew O. Richardson | October 25, 2016

What do a failed exam, a cut up degree, historical documents, and a screensaver have in common? A vision of ourselves and of BYU to remember and believe in.

devotional 2016

Jay E. Jensen | January 8, 2012

Jay E. Jensen expounds on the importance of intentionally seeking the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, which will instruct, guide, and testify to us.

devotional 2012

James P. Porter | March 22, 2011

The Holy Ghost guides us through promptings. We should use our spiritual abilities to receive and recognize the Spirit.

devotional 2011

Michael A. Jensen | May 5, 2009

Michael A. Jensen teaches of the Holy Ghost and how we can recognize and receive revelation.

devotional 2009

Rodger Sorensen | July 29, 2008

How does the Spirit speak to you? This devotional explores Joseph Smith's experience in the Sacred Grove and its similarities to our own experiences.

devotional 2008

Cheryl C. Lant | September 9, 2007

Prayer is a tool for comfort, peace, guidance, testimony, and forgiveness. How are you using prayer to access the powers of heaven?

devotional 2007

Gerrit W. Gong | March 20, 2007

As we learn to make important decisions, we must find the balance between seeking the Lord's guidance and having the courage to make our own choices.

devotional 2007

Henry B. Eyring—second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Henry B. Eyring | September 10, 2006

With faith, clean living, pure motive, and the love of Christ, we can expect revelation every day through the Spirit of God.

devotional 2006

Arnold H. Green | July 5, 2005

Discerning our journey through the world entails, first, choosing specific worthy destinations rather than just drifting somewhere.

devotional 2005

David A. Bednar, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

David A. Bednar | May 10, 2005

We ought to seek out the gift of discernment, which makes us quick to observe right from wrong, the needs of others, and the promptings of the Spirit.

devotional 2005

Charles A. Didier | September 21, 2004

Revelation is how we at BYU combine spiritual and secular knowledge. We can positively impact the world as we create a spiritual and temporal foundation.

devotional 2004

LaNae Valentine | June 29, 2004

Lanae Valentine teaches strategies that improve our ability to discern the will of the Lord. He is eager to answer us if we will listen.

devotional 2004

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf | November 11, 2003

At times we will go through trials and need to be lifted up. Control, attitude, and faith in God's power will create wind beneath our wings.

devotional 2003

H. Burke Peterson | July 16, 2002

When we sin, we build a wall of stones around us, making it difficult to hear spiritual impressions. As we remove the stones, we gain guidance from God.

devotional 2002

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jeffrey R. Holland | March 2, 1999

Trust in a perfect God gives us the confidence to act in faith, even when faced with difficult decisions or paralyzing fear.

devotional 1999

Elaine S. Marshall | May 25, 1998

Elaine S. Marshall offers some professional, personal, and scriptural perspectives on knowing, as well as the limits of temporal and spiritual knowledge.

devotional 1998

Gerald N. Lund | December 2, 1997

Gerald N. Lund focuses on the challenge of learning how to hear, recognize, and follow the voice of the Lord.

devotional 1997

L. Lionel Kendrick | May 20, 1997

An understanding of how personal revelation works will allow us to develop a closer relationship with God and to live better, happier lives.

devotional 1997

James E. Faust | January 7, 1996

The Lord can bless any of His children with an epiphany of knowledge and guidance. Consistent, strong inspiration is possible through the Holy Ghost.

devotional 1996

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

M. Russell Ballard | November 6, 1994

We owe much to the Kirtland era of Church history. This time of the restoration is rich in visions, revealed doctrine, and essential progression.

devotional 1994

James E. Faust | September 5, 1993

It is difficult sometimes to hear the voice of the Spirit amid the noises of the world, but it is worth the effort to have the Spirit's guidance and peace.

devotional 1993

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ.

Neal A. Maxwell | October 11, 1986

Through the witness of the Book of Mormon and prophetic revelation, the gospel offers great answers to age-old questions of the soul.

devotional 1986

Glenn L. Pace | March 25, 1986

There is a balance to be found in life between looking to the Lord's hand in all things and using your God-given agency to guide you through life.

devotional 1986

Richard G. Ellsworth | July 23, 1985

Spiritual experiences are real, and commandments of the Lord are given so we can achieve spiritual progress.

devotional 1985

Ted E. Brewerton | March 25, 1984

In order to accomplish the things we truly desire, we need to follow some basic principles to receive guidance from the Lord.

devotional 1984

Paul H. Dunn | February 28, 1984

Cultivate a relationship with your Heavenly Father, and seek His guidance as you make important decisions. He will lead, protect, and help you.

devotional 1984

Dallin H. Oaks—first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dallin H. Oaks | September 29, 1981

Revelation serves many purposes necessary and beneficial: it testifies, prophesies, comforts, uplifts, informs, restrains, confirms, and impels.

devotional 1981

Noel B. Reynolds | June 30, 1981

Gospel learning comes both by the process of reason and revelation, and all must take care to learn by the Holy Ghost rather than be deceived by Satan.

devotional 1981

Joe J. Christensen | June 10, 1980

You can make revelation a personal reality as you search the scriptures, commune with the Father, and live in keeping with divine commandments.

devotional 1980

John H. Groberg | May 1, 1979

Discovering your mission in life is a daunting, but not impossible task. If you trust Him and have the courage to act, God will guide and shape your life.

devotional 1979

LeGrand Richards | November 28, 1978

We believe in the gift of prophecy. We can see today the fulfillment of prophecies from long ago, and they give us faith to follow our living prophets now.

devotional 1978

S. Dilworth Young | May 17, 1977

Learning to listen to the promptings of the Spirit brings safety. Every worthy individual is entitled to the companionship of the Spirit. If you listen, you will find he is often more eager to help than we are to obey.

devotional 1977

Jeffrey R. Holland | September 26, 1976

General conference is an opportunity to fulfill the commandment to "meet together oft," to edify one another, and to receive revelation.

devotional 1976

Hartman Rector Jr. | January 6, 1976

We all seek answers to our prayers, and these six questions will help you determine whether a revelation is from the Lord.

devotional 1976

Roy W. Doxey | July 30, 1974

Latter-day Saints are blessed with living prophets and apostles. We should willingly obey their divinely received counsel.

devotional 1974

Bruce R. McConkie | February 27, 1973

Do we simply use our agency or do we rely on inspiration from God? The fact is that we can't move forward without either when we counsel with the Lord.

devotional 1973

Bruce R. McConkie | October 11, 1966

Intellectual study of the gospel is necessary, but cannot take the place of personal revelation that comes through searching and asking.

devotional 1966

Marion G. Romney | February 14, 1962

The things of the world, or of the flesh, must be learned by the methods of the world. The things of the spirit, however, must be learned by the Spirit.

devotional 1962

Mark E. Petersen | January 1, 1962

You are just now on the threshold of life, with many important decisions to make. Make them wisely and in keeping with the teachings of the gospel.

devotional 1962

Hugh B. Brown | May 17, 1961

Your life's journey is like a flight in an airplane—you need to pay careful attention to your instruments, and keep your sight fixed on your destination.

devotional 1961

Hugh Nibley | March 20, 1956

The great men of the sixth century believed in contemplation and in action, and they weren’t afraid to ask God for revelation.

devotional 1956

Harold B. Lee - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Harold B. Lee | February 7, 1956

Elder Harold B. Lee invites us, as Jesus commanded Paul, to "arise and stand upon thy feet." We can receive revelation and answer the call of the Lord.

devotional 1956

Harold B. Lee | October 15, 1952

God speaks to us through prophets and through personal revelation. However, we must be humble and watchful to receive His words.

devotional 1952

Joseph Fielding Smith - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Joseph Fielding Smith | June 16, 1952

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith speaks of historical and current events, especially in the Middle East, as fulfillment of prophecy given in the scriptures.

devotional 1952