I believe personal revelation, the making known of divine truth by communication with the heavens, is not only available to us for the asking but also is constantly and consistently provided us. It is not that we do not receive personal revelation, we do. It is that we often do not listen when it comes.

I experienced a paradigm shift, meaning a change in the way I think (and hopefully behave), recently when studying Doctrine and Covenants Sections 6, 8 and 9. I reread a quotation by Elder Graham Doxey, who admonished LDS Church members, "Stop asking: 'Does God live? Does God love me? Does God speak to me?' The critical question is, 'Are you listening to Him?'" For me the implications of that statement were profound.

I took from it that the pattern I often followed when challenges struck -- and that perhaps some of you follow -- was to revisit gospel truths that had been put to rest long ago because the Spirit had confirmed to me numerous times the truth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I determined that rather than letting doubt and fear creep in during times of crisis I would, instead, and more profitably, focus on listening and receiving personal revelation from the Lord.

One of our responsibilities, and our lifelong quest, must be to cultivate the Spirit that acts as the conduit through which we receive personal revelation.

I use the word "cultivate" purposely, and two definitions of the word serve my intended meaning: 1) "to improve or develop something, usually by study or education"; 2) "to develop an acquaintance or intimacy with somebody, often for personal advantage."

More than ever, in a confused world, it is critical that we study and educate ourselves through the scriptures, obedience to the commandments, fasting and prayer to recognize the whisperings of the Spirit. In doing so we will develop a relationship with the Spirit that will indeed provide us great and good personal advantage over many who deny the spiritual side of our being, or more sadly, who choose not to acknowledge and develop it.

The Lord promises, "If you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you." Remember, however, the caution that persistent effort is required. Oliver Cowdery was reproached because, "you have not understood; you have supposed that I (God) would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. But behold ... you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks defines: "What does a 'burning in the bosom' mean? Does it need to be a feeling of caloric heat, like the burning produced by combustion? If it is .. I have never had a burning in the bosom. Surely, the word 'burning' in this scripture signifies a feeling of comfort and serenity."

Boyd K. Packer describes: "delicate, refined spiritual communications ... not seen with our eyes nor heard with our ears. The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us.... Rather, it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all."

The Prophet Joseph Smith suggests a first step in learning to recognize the Spirit: "A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas ... by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation."

Personal revelation comes with three possible answers. Elder Richard G. Scott explains: "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 commandment, and a willingness to act on truth."

Only our prophet, Thomas S. Monson, receives revelation for the entire church. Personal revelation will never contradict the commandments and doctrine of the church.

Because Satan is sophisticated, cunning and capable of deceiving "even the very elect" it is essential that over our lifetime we become increasingly aware and attuned to the whisperings of the spirit. Brigham Young promises: "Every member has the right of receiving revelations for themselves, both male and female. It is the very life of the church of the living God."

As Mormons our conviction that we receive personal revelation distinguishes us from many others, guides us through life like a beacon "shining in the darkness," and assures us of God’s individual love and concern for each of us.