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Divine Guidance #1
Hearing the Voice of the Lord: Principles and Patterns of Personal Revelation
How can we navigate safely through our turbulent times? Personal revelation is one key! Elder Gerald N. Lund, million-selling author of The Work and the Glory , offers profound insights about how personal revelation works. Learn how we can increase our ability to receive and recognize personal revelation, what we can do to avoid being misled, and many other ideas relevant to this tremendously important spiritual gift. At the beginning of the Doctrine and Covenants we read of a timeless and universal "The voice of the Lord is unto all men" (D&C 1:2). The heavens are not closed, God is not silent, and each of us can, individually, receive specific and personal revelation from God that can bless us with direction, insight, and comfort. But though we may recognize the need to have personal revelation to guide us in our life, many of us struggle with some fundamental Do we recognize the various methods God uses to speak to us? Are we familiar with the guidelines that govern receiving spiritual promptings and how can we really tell that it is the Lord speaking to us? How can we hear the voice of the Lord more clearly, more directly, and more frequently? In Hearing the Voice of the Lord, Elder Gerald N. Lund provides reassuring and practical answers to these and many other questions. He Hearing the Voice of the Lord provides profound insights into both the doctrine and the application of personal revelation. The Lord is speaking to us. Are we listening?
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First published January 1, 2007
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About the author
Gerald N. Lund
87 books750 followersGerald N. Lund received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in sociology from Brigham Young University. He served for thirty-five years in the Church Educational System, and he served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy from 2002 to 2008. He is a prolific and bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction and is best known for his historical novels, including The Work and the Glory series, Fire of the Covenant, The Kingdom and the Crown series, and The Undaunted. He and his late wife, Lynn, are the parents of seven children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
September 28, 2009
Eighteen Months after I started reading this book, I have finished and finally feel like I can offer a "review" on it. It wasn't that the reading was laborious or taxing; it was more that I re-read things over and over. I tried to take them into my heart. And sometimes that takes a while.
A few years ago one of my dear friends lost a child. One night, shortly after the accident, she related an awful experience she had in Relief Society. The lesson was on the Holy Ghost and there were women sharing their own experiences with heeding the promptings of the Holy Ghost. The problem was they were saying things like, "I listened to the spirit and it told me my bread was burning and I was able to save my homemade bread." or "I listened to the spirit and it saved my child's life." My friend sat listening in horror, why wasn't she prompted? Was this woman's bread more important than her child's life? I was furious that these women were so insensitive and clueless.
The next Sunday I had the same lesson in my own ward. When the women began sharing their experiences I started to squirm. I wondered who in the room was going through something and hurting because they felt that God didn't send the spirit to prompt them but cared about someone's lost keys.
Thus began a personal internal wrestling that has lasted me years. I began to struggle with the concept of the Holy Ghost and personal revelation. I can't deny that promptings from the spirit are real. I've experienced them for myself- many times. There are also times that I've longed for the spirit's nudge, only to be denied.
This was my wrestle.
I could understand God leaving us alone. He did give up his only begotten son for free agency; a gift I believe is second only to his son. So why would he take that agency away from us by giving us spiritual "knowing" or intuition- promptings? But then I could not deny that I have had those promptings. Ofttimes about little things. I know them to be real. I could not understand why he answers us sometimes and not others. Why does he help people with seemingly insignificant things and at other times lets horrific things happen to good and decent people without prompting? Were these people really hearing the spirit or was it their own voice? How can I tell the difference in my own head?
This was why I picked up Hearing the Voice of the Lord. I have to say that the answers comes down to this: it is all in God's hands. I knew that before, but this book and further personal reflection helped to show me the why behind it.
Here are a few concepts that had a great impact on me:
-When you feel prompted you will always receive confirmation that it came from Heavenly Father.
-I had a couple steps mixed up in my process for receiving personal revelation. The correct process is: Hear the Word, Hope for it to be true, take action, THEN receive confirmation. I've been trying to do it like this: Hear the word, Hope for it to be true, recieve confirmation, then take action. HUGE DISCREPENCY!
-I loved this quote, "How many times in my life have I closed off an opportunity for revelation because I didn't trust the Lord enough to ask?" I SO have trust issues. Even with my Heavenly Father.
I could go on and on but I'll close with the most important thing this book (combined with personal study and introspection) did for me. It reminded me that I KNOW God lives. I KNOW he is aware of me. I do not always understand His mysteries. I don't know why he tells me some things and leaves me to figure out others on my own. I don't know why he doesn't always intervene but sometimes does. But I do KNOW Him and sometimes that has to be enough. I know that my friend will see her daughter again some day; that we can live in families forever; and that even death cannot break the bonds of Love that originated from God himself.
A few years ago one of my dear friends lost a child. One night, shortly after the accident, she related an awful experience she had in Relief Society. The lesson was on the Holy Ghost and there were women sharing their own experiences with heeding the promptings of the Holy Ghost. The problem was they were saying things like, "I listened to the spirit and it told me my bread was burning and I was able to save my homemade bread." or "I listened to the spirit and it saved my child's life." My friend sat listening in horror, why wasn't she prompted? Was this woman's bread more important than her child's life? I was furious that these women were so insensitive and clueless.
The next Sunday I had the same lesson in my own ward. When the women began sharing their experiences I started to squirm. I wondered who in the room was going through something and hurting because they felt that God didn't send the spirit to prompt them but cared about someone's lost keys.
Thus began a personal internal wrestling that has lasted me years. I began to struggle with the concept of the Holy Ghost and personal revelation. I can't deny that promptings from the spirit are real. I've experienced them for myself- many times. There are also times that I've longed for the spirit's nudge, only to be denied.
This was my wrestle.
I could understand God leaving us alone. He did give up his only begotten son for free agency; a gift I believe is second only to his son. So why would he take that agency away from us by giving us spiritual "knowing" or intuition- promptings? But then I could not deny that I have had those promptings. Ofttimes about little things. I know them to be real. I could not understand why he answers us sometimes and not others. Why does he help people with seemingly insignificant things and at other times lets horrific things happen to good and decent people without prompting? Were these people really hearing the spirit or was it their own voice? How can I tell the difference in my own head?
This was why I picked up Hearing the Voice of the Lord. I have to say that the answers comes down to this: it is all in God's hands. I knew that before, but this book and further personal reflection helped to show me the why behind it.
Here are a few concepts that had a great impact on me:
-When you feel prompted you will always receive confirmation that it came from Heavenly Father.
-I had a couple steps mixed up in my process for receiving personal revelation. The correct process is: Hear the Word, Hope for it to be true, take action, THEN receive confirmation. I've been trying to do it like this: Hear the word, Hope for it to be true, recieve confirmation, then take action. HUGE DISCREPENCY!
-I loved this quote, "How many times in my life have I closed off an opportunity for revelation because I didn't trust the Lord enough to ask?" I SO have trust issues. Even with my Heavenly Father.
I could go on and on but I'll close with the most important thing this book (combined with personal study and introspection) did for me. It reminded me that I KNOW God lives. I KNOW he is aware of me. I do not always understand His mysteries. I don't know why he tells me some things and leaves me to figure out others on my own. I don't know why he doesn't always intervene but sometimes does. But I do KNOW Him and sometimes that has to be enough. I know that my friend will see her daughter again some day; that we can live in families forever; and that even death cannot break the bonds of Love that originated from God himself.
December 11, 2008
a good book. He spent a lot of chapters talking about false revelations which I thought was good because that doesn't get covered very often. I also felt like I came away with a few solid principles about how true revelation is given and received. And I would especially recommend it for those who are looking to be married in the near future. He had some segments devoted just to making this decision.
September 19, 2022
This is the best doctrinal book I've read. It is well worth the read. Now I need to get the rest of Lund's nonfiction books.
August 14, 2020
So much good information! I will need to read this one again for sure!
February 3, 2009
It took me a long time to read this book...because I was doing so much thinking and pondering and listening while I was reading it. I think it's a fabulous book. I wish I could give it 12 stars! Bro. Lund's organization is amazing...he lays out the process of personal revelation so beautifully. I found so much to learn and insights came that deepened my understanding of so many things. I underlined heavily and this book will be a continuing reference book for me. I absolutely loved the wealth of relevant material he gathered from prophets and apostles to illustrate his points. I thought the book was extremely well-written and felt such peace and warmth as I read. A very, very valuable book. The first thought-provoking comment was about how God knows each of us in our uniqueness and how each of us can best, most easily, most helpfully learn, and through the Holy Ghost He speaks to us in our own unique ways. That there isn't any book we could study, any class we could take, any speaker we could hear who could speak to each of us, uniquely, more potently, most incisively, more clearly about our own lives than the Holy Ghost. And yet, this is a gift that we so often cast to the side in our lives and minimize the power and the love that God is daily desiring to give us. I loved that thought.
June 12, 2016
This has been a great study and discussion book. It is very readable and organized in a way that prompts study and reflection. You can tell he has been an excellent teacher. I especially liked the way he used personal and modern experiences along with scriptural ones to make his points. This made it more interesting and easier to absorb the principles. This has been one of the best books I have read with the study group because it fostered so many deep and personal discussions.
April 20, 2020
Sooooo many amazing tips and helpful ideas on how to receive and recognize revelation and what patterns to look for in recognizing and following the Lord's guidance.
October 13, 2023
The more I study personal revelation the more I realize it is just that: personal. It is really hard to write a sweeping overview for it when it is so individual. Still, some great ideas and perspective on how to put ourselves in a better place to receive and recognize revelation.
July 17, 2020
This book has great principles in it and I spent a lot of time thinking. This isn’t a book I recommend reading straight through in a short timeframe. Definitely worth taking your time on this one.
February 5, 2018
It started off really strong and well for me, but I just didn't keep going with it. I was listening to the audio book and since it is long and I'm busy, I was having to start and stop it a lot. I don't know if it started to loose interest for me because of all the breaks and I just couldn't remember where we were, when I did pop back in, but it did feel like things went on so long that I would loose my place. But I will probably try it again, because the beginning was amazing and said the book talked about specific questions I have always had with trying to feel the spirit.
July 21, 2022
Excellent book about how to receive personal revelation and discern it in your own life.
April 24, 2009
I think this is one of the most helpful church books that I have ever read. It would be an excellent resource for a home gospel library; I read it on an inter-library loan, but I'm planning on buying it.
Several reviewers comment that there is nothing new in this book, and they are probably right, but it is all gathered into one place, put in a very logical order, written very clearly, backed up with scripture and quotes from the prophets and explained very thoroughly with examples. If you have ever said to yourself, "Is that the Spirit prompting me, or is that me?" read this book. I would recommend it for everyone, but I think it would be especially useful for prospective missionaries to read; as I read it I found myself wishing that it had been available for me to read before I served my mission.
Elder Lund addresses the following topics in great depth: What is Revelation?, How Does Revelation Come?, What Principles Govern the Giving and Receiving of Revelation?, Is There False Revelation and How Do We Recognize It? and How Do We Increase the Likelihood of Receiving and Recognizing Revelation? Essentially this is a self-help book for people who want to improve their ability to recognize the influence and promptings of the Spirit in their lives.
Some reviewers wrote that it was hard to get into or difficult to read; I didn't think it was a hard read, but I read a lot of non-fiction and was particularly interested in the subject. I actually read it a little more quickly than I would have liked to because I needed to return it to the library!
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the layout. I agree with other reviewers that the asterisks for the footnotes were hard to see. The thing that bugged me the most was the popout quotes that are on most pages. They are related to, but not taken from the text, and I while I can see that they look nice from a design standpoint, I found them really disruptive to reading the chapters. I finally quit reading them and decided to go back and read them later.
Several reviewers comment that there is nothing new in this book, and they are probably right, but it is all gathered into one place, put in a very logical order, written very clearly, backed up with scripture and quotes from the prophets and explained very thoroughly with examples. If you have ever said to yourself, "Is that the Spirit prompting me, or is that me?" read this book. I would recommend it for everyone, but I think it would be especially useful for prospective missionaries to read; as I read it I found myself wishing that it had been available for me to read before I served my mission.
Elder Lund addresses the following topics in great depth: What is Revelation?, How Does Revelation Come?, What Principles Govern the Giving and Receiving of Revelation?, Is There False Revelation and How Do We Recognize It? and How Do We Increase the Likelihood of Receiving and Recognizing Revelation? Essentially this is a self-help book for people who want to improve their ability to recognize the influence and promptings of the Spirit in their lives.
Some reviewers wrote that it was hard to get into or difficult to read; I didn't think it was a hard read, but I read a lot of non-fiction and was particularly interested in the subject. I actually read it a little more quickly than I would have liked to because I needed to return it to the library!
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the layout. I agree with other reviewers that the asterisks for the footnotes were hard to see. The thing that bugged me the most was the popout quotes that are on most pages. They are related to, but not taken from the text, and I while I can see that they look nice from a design standpoint, I found them really disruptive to reading the chapters. I finally quit reading them and decided to go back and read them later.
December 9, 2008
I liked this book. Gerald Lund does a good job at explaining in detail the process that we need to go through to seek, ask, and then hear. Personal Revelation is so important to us today. I found that I already knew many of the principles in the book, so there was not a wealth of new information for me. But, it was a nice reminder of things I need to be doign.
There was one thing that I did not totally agree on fairly early in the book. So, I think this effected how I felt about the rest on the book. Brother Lund was discussing the idea that The Lord does not direct every thing in our lives. Sometimes he wants us to think for ourselves. (True principle) However, He used the example of a woman saying "I pray over everything, I even pray about what beans to buy." He went on to say that the Lord does not care about which beans to buy. I disagree in the sense that He does care about those things that you care about. For example, a mother who is trying to live within her means, is trying to get out of debt, and is trying to purchase items that will be benefit her and her family. If that mother is worried, or focused on what she should buy, and it is important to that mother enough to pray about what beans would help her in her situation, then yes, The Lord would answer her prayer. If it is important to you, It is important to The Lord. I have had some answers to what many people would say was "a insignificant thing" to pray about. Insignificant to whom?
There was one thing that I did not totally agree on fairly early in the book. So, I think this effected how I felt about the rest on the book. Brother Lund was discussing the idea that The Lord does not direct every thing in our lives. Sometimes he wants us to think for ourselves. (True principle) However, He used the example of a woman saying "I pray over everything, I even pray about what beans to buy." He went on to say that the Lord does not care about which beans to buy. I disagree in the sense that He does care about those things that you care about. For example, a mother who is trying to live within her means, is trying to get out of debt, and is trying to purchase items that will be benefit her and her family. If that mother is worried, or focused on what she should buy, and it is important to that mother enough to pray about what beans would help her in her situation, then yes, The Lord would answer her prayer. If it is important to you, It is important to The Lord. I have had some answers to what many people would say was "a insignificant thing" to pray about. Insignificant to whom?
March 28, 2010
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. It was that good. I would recommend it to all my LDS friends.
This book would have been extremely helpful to me as a missionary. It would be a great gift for someone getting ready to serve a mission because there is so much in here I wish I really understood at that time in my life. I think in my mission there was a lot of incorrect doctrine floating around about the way the Spirit works and the way we receive answers to prayers.
I read this book very slowly, just a chapter or so a day because there was so much to think about and learn. I plan on re-reading it and copying down a bunch of the great quotes.
I have a copy of this book and I'd be happy to loan it out.
This book would have been extremely helpful to me as a missionary. It would be a great gift for someone getting ready to serve a mission because there is so much in here I wish I really understood at that time in my life. I think in my mission there was a lot of incorrect doctrine floating around about the way the Spirit works and the way we receive answers to prayers.
I read this book very slowly, just a chapter or so a day because there was so much to think about and learn. I plan on re-reading it and copying down a bunch of the great quotes.
I have a copy of this book and I'd be happy to loan it out.
June 16, 2015
I loved this book so much! Loved his whole discussion on false revelation, and it really helped me understand better the age-old question of "Is this just me, or is it a prompting?"
But the part I'm most grateful for is his gentle criticism on planned spiritual experiences and how they can lead to confusing our emotions with actually feeling the Spirit. I've been anxious lately to create "spiritual experiences" for my teens to help them build a solid testimony, and now I get that while it seems like a good idea, it's not how the Lord works. They need to desire it on their own, and then he's quick to confirm and teach, which is more powerful than any program I create. Lots to think about.
Anyhow, I learned way more than I expected to. Totally recommend this book!
But the part I'm most grateful for is his gentle criticism on planned spiritual experiences and how they can lead to confusing our emotions with actually feeling the Spirit. I've been anxious lately to create "spiritual experiences" for my teens to help them build a solid testimony, and now I get that while it seems like a good idea, it's not how the Lord works. They need to desire it on their own, and then he's quick to confirm and teach, which is more powerful than any program I create. Lots to think about.
Anyhow, I learned way more than I expected to. Totally recommend this book!
July 14, 2008
Amazing book on revelation. I always looked at revelation as more of an isolated concept. This book helped me understand the vital importance of receiving revelation is and how to best prepare to receive it and understand it when it comes, how much it should tie into every aspect of our lives, yet how we should also be spiritually self-sufficient at times. I will definitely be referencing and rereading this book through the future.
June 17, 2010
Finally finished the March book club selection. Very good book about personal revelation. I did a lot of pondering as I read. Loved the quotes that were added throughout the book. The quotes were on either side of the pages regarding personal revelation from prophets and general authorities.(Also a few quotes from the ever insightful C.S. Lewis). I enjoy books like this one, because of the desire I feel as I read and after I finish, to improve, progress, to just "be better."
November 28, 2023
4.5 stars. This is a comprehensive and readable book on personal revelation, with the goal to help us better hear Him (“my sheep know my voice”). Lund explains principles and patterns of revelation, including both scriptural and modern day examples. My favorite part of the book was all the stories on revelation. It was inspiring to hear the many ways God talks to and directs His children (with the reminder that it is not the Spirit answering us, but God answering us through the Spirit). I’ve learned most of these principles through experience, but the stories helped strengthen my testimony of the reality that God reveals truth to those who ask, and inspired me to be more intentional about seeking personal revelation. A few important principles for revelation include reverence, fasting, simplifying our lives, and pondering. To me, these all point in some way to carving out quiet time to be still and commune with God.
Quotes and Notes:
“By its definition, faith is to act based on hope, not on evidence.” p. 272
-Using the gift of discernment to see the good in others - “This gift…when highly developed, arises largely out of an acute sensitivity to impressions--spiritual impressions, if you will--to read under the surface, as it were, to detect hidden evil, and more importantly, to find the good that may be concealed. The highest type of discernment is that which perceives in others and uncovers for them their better natures, the good inherent within them.” p. 84 (Stephen L. Richards)
-The difference between gradually growing in light and receiving an abundance all at once: “When the Holy Ghost brings light and knowledge to the mind, it is like he floods a room with bright sunlight. Children who grow up in active, faithful homes grow up in that sunlit room. Light and truth is all around them every day. So when the Holy Spirit begins to bring light and knowledge to their own minds, it doesn't seem that remarkable. In some cases, it is so much like the light they have known all their lives, that they barely even noticed the light now found within themselves. Compare that to a person who has been living in the darkness of the world, such as Paul, Alma the Younger, King Lamoni, new investigators, a child who has grown up in a less active home, and so on. When the Holy Ghost fills their mind with light and truth, it is such a dramatic contrast to what they've known before that it becomes a very unusual and remarkable experience for them. It isn't that their testimony is any more real than the testimony of those already in the sunlight, but it may be much more vivid and discernible to them when it comes.” p. 90
-How to keep spiritual things in balance - “Things of the spirit need not, indeed should not, require our uninterrupted time and attention. Ordinary work-a-day things occupy most of our attention and that is as it should be. We are mortal beings living in this physical world. Spiritual things are like leavening. By measure they may be very small, but by influence they affect all that we do. Continuing revelation is fundamental to the gospel of Jesus Christ.” -Boyd K. Packer p. 188
-I didn’t agree with his view on sharing spiritual experiences (draws attention to our own spirituality) p. 227
-The refinement that comes from adversity: “After we rehearsed that catalog of adversity and suffering one of the students asked this question: ‘Why was the way so hard? I know they were being tested, but did it have to be so relentless, so intense?’ The professor's answer showed tremendous insight into the purposes of God. He said, ‘What you have to realize is this. There was a great work to be done, and these people were just common folk. They weren't great crusaders or proven heroes. However, by the time they reached the valley, many of the physically weak had died and almost all of the spiritually weak had apostatized. So what Brigham Young had left to work with was pure steel.” p. 306
-A reminder that sometimes we request things that are not in our best interest: “Genuine faith makes increasing allowance for…individual tutorials. In view of these tutorials, God cannot…respond affirmatively to all of our petitions with an unbroken chain of ‘yeses.’ This would assume that all of our petitions are for that ‘which is right’ and are spiritually ‘expedient.’ No petitioner is so wise!” Neal A. Maxwell p. 316
-Story of boy who tried to visit his father after he had died - “He said that as soon as he realized that he was in another environment he tried to see his father, but couldn’t reach him. His father was so busy with the duties in his office he could not respond to his call. Therefore he had come to his mother. He said to her, ‘You tell Father that all is well with me, and I want you not to mourn anymore.’” p. 344
-Chart on pf 347 to increase personal revelation (action: pondering, meditating, reflecting) with marvelous results (“caught away in the Spirit,” visions, “The Lord touched the eyes of our understandings,” revelations, “The eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me”.
-When wondering if it is a coincidence or act of God, ask “does it fill gods purposes?”
Quotes and Notes:
“By its definition, faith is to act based on hope, not on evidence.” p. 272
-Using the gift of discernment to see the good in others - “This gift…when highly developed, arises largely out of an acute sensitivity to impressions--spiritual impressions, if you will--to read under the surface, as it were, to detect hidden evil, and more importantly, to find the good that may be concealed. The highest type of discernment is that which perceives in others and uncovers for them their better natures, the good inherent within them.” p. 84 (Stephen L. Richards)
-The difference between gradually growing in light and receiving an abundance all at once: “When the Holy Ghost brings light and knowledge to the mind, it is like he floods a room with bright sunlight. Children who grow up in active, faithful homes grow up in that sunlit room. Light and truth is all around them every day. So when the Holy Spirit begins to bring light and knowledge to their own minds, it doesn't seem that remarkable. In some cases, it is so much like the light they have known all their lives, that they barely even noticed the light now found within themselves. Compare that to a person who has been living in the darkness of the world, such as Paul, Alma the Younger, King Lamoni, new investigators, a child who has grown up in a less active home, and so on. When the Holy Ghost fills their mind with light and truth, it is such a dramatic contrast to what they've known before that it becomes a very unusual and remarkable experience for them. It isn't that their testimony is any more real than the testimony of those already in the sunlight, but it may be much more vivid and discernible to them when it comes.” p. 90
-How to keep spiritual things in balance - “Things of the spirit need not, indeed should not, require our uninterrupted time and attention. Ordinary work-a-day things occupy most of our attention and that is as it should be. We are mortal beings living in this physical world. Spiritual things are like leavening. By measure they may be very small, but by influence they affect all that we do. Continuing revelation is fundamental to the gospel of Jesus Christ.” -Boyd K. Packer p. 188
-I didn’t agree with his view on sharing spiritual experiences (draws attention to our own spirituality) p. 227
-The refinement that comes from adversity: “After we rehearsed that catalog of adversity and suffering one of the students asked this question: ‘Why was the way so hard? I know they were being tested, but did it have to be so relentless, so intense?’ The professor's answer showed tremendous insight into the purposes of God. He said, ‘What you have to realize is this. There was a great work to be done, and these people were just common folk. They weren't great crusaders or proven heroes. However, by the time they reached the valley, many of the physically weak had died and almost all of the spiritually weak had apostatized. So what Brigham Young had left to work with was pure steel.” p. 306
-A reminder that sometimes we request things that are not in our best interest: “Genuine faith makes increasing allowance for…individual tutorials. In view of these tutorials, God cannot…respond affirmatively to all of our petitions with an unbroken chain of ‘yeses.’ This would assume that all of our petitions are for that ‘which is right’ and are spiritually ‘expedient.’ No petitioner is so wise!” Neal A. Maxwell p. 316
-Story of boy who tried to visit his father after he had died - “He said that as soon as he realized that he was in another environment he tried to see his father, but couldn’t reach him. His father was so busy with the duties in his office he could not respond to his call. Therefore he had come to his mother. He said to her, ‘You tell Father that all is well with me, and I want you not to mourn anymore.’” p. 344
-Chart on pf 347 to increase personal revelation (action: pondering, meditating, reflecting) with marvelous results (“caught away in the Spirit,” visions, “The Lord touched the eyes of our understandings,” revelations, “The eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me”.
-When wondering if it is a coincidence or act of God, ask “does it fill gods purposes?”
August 29, 2021
I've read this twice over my younger years. I picked it up recently and decided it’s good for people newer and/or younger.
July 2, 2021
This book came just when I needed it. I was just called as a bishop and my wife and I are praying about some major life changes.
Now I'm going to have to read all of his other books.
Now I'm going to have to read all of his other books.
October 28, 2025
"latter day saints typically use the gift so infrequently, but it is ours, and if we prepare ourselves, that voice will speak to us" (10).
"The scriptures are a wonderful guide, but in and of themselves they are not sufficient" (18).
"It was our lot" (134).
"We should be careful not to impute blame or give credit when trials or good fortune are just the natural unfolding of events in this experience we call mortality" (135).
"Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best- better than does God" Neal A. Maxwell (137).
"It is significant that the Lord, who has infinite power and could force everyone to do His will, takes great care never to violate our agency" (159).
"It is never about me and it is never about you. In fact, anything you or I do as an instructor that knowingly and intentionally draws attention to self... Is a form of priestcraft that inhibits the teaching effectiveness of the Holy Ghost" -David A. Bednar (226).
"The Father is easy to please, but hard to satisfy" (247).
"There are too many of us who put question marks instead of periods after what the Lord says" -Harold B. Lee (270).
"The scriptures are a wonderful guide, but in and of themselves they are not sufficient" (18).
"It was our lot" (134).
"We should be careful not to impute blame or give credit when trials or good fortune are just the natural unfolding of events in this experience we call mortality" (135).
"Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best- better than does God" Neal A. Maxwell (137).
"It is significant that the Lord, who has infinite power and could force everyone to do His will, takes great care never to violate our agency" (159).
"It is never about me and it is never about you. In fact, anything you or I do as an instructor that knowingly and intentionally draws attention to self... Is a form of priestcraft that inhibits the teaching effectiveness of the Holy Ghost" -David A. Bednar (226).
"The Father is easy to please, but hard to satisfy" (247).
"There are too many of us who put question marks instead of periods after what the Lord says" -Harold B. Lee (270).
July 15, 2020
This book is a must read.
While the book does in some chapters reflect an old school (and possibly offensive at times) LDS mindset, the principles it teaches will last the test of time. It outlines the framework of preparing for, receiving, recognizing, and acting on personal revelation.
Too often, we reserve personal revelation for the grandiose moments of life, like selecting a marriage partner, a new job, or a place to live. In reality, those often are the most difficult times to recognize/distinguish the voice of the lord over all other competing emotions (anxiety, fear, young love, hormones...etc). If we haven’t learned to know the voice of the lord before these moments, we will have a very difficult time making a decision that is truly led by God.
Revelation is muscle we build everyday through study and faith.
This book is a phenomenal how-to manual for people from all walks of life.
While the book does in some chapters reflect an old school (and possibly offensive at times) LDS mindset, the principles it teaches will last the test of time. It outlines the framework of preparing for, receiving, recognizing, and acting on personal revelation.
Too often, we reserve personal revelation for the grandiose moments of life, like selecting a marriage partner, a new job, or a place to live. In reality, those often are the most difficult times to recognize/distinguish the voice of the lord over all other competing emotions (anxiety, fear, young love, hormones...etc). If we haven’t learned to know the voice of the lord before these moments, we will have a very difficult time making a decision that is truly led by God.
Revelation is muscle we build everyday through study and faith.
This book is a phenomenal how-to manual for people from all walks of life.
August 28, 2017
I absolutely loved parts of this book, but other parts felt redundant or too involved. Perhaps the best way to look at this book is to think of it as a fairly exhaustive treatise on the subject of personal revelation. The subject was categorized, analyzed, and dissected fairly thoroughly and covered some topic I had never really even thought of. However, as I was looking for a lighter, more motivational book, I found myself growing disinterested from time to time. That's on me, not the author. I will also add that Elder Lund provides remarkable personal examples from his own experiences (including as a general authority) and those of others. The personal experiences alone made the book a worthwhile read.
March 27, 2021
This book is very inspirational. It motivated me to be more sincere in my prayers and to not be afraid to ask for help in my life. I attempted to read it years ago but lost interest because there aren't too many inspirational stories which I find very engaging. There are some but this book is mostly instructional that is intended to be studied more than read cover to cover.
One complaint is the extra text boxes that appear on many of the pages. I don't really like them. They relate to the content on the page but as you are reading you have to stop the flow of the main part of the book that you are reading to read the text box. I would prefer the author to include them in the main part of the book so that it all flows more smoothly.
One complaint is the extra text boxes that appear on many of the pages. I don't really like them. They relate to the content on the page but as you are reading you have to stop the flow of the main part of the book that you are reading to read the text box. I would prefer the author to include them in the main part of the book so that it all flows more smoothly.
June 1, 2021
This book has some good stories and examples of revelation being received. I think Bro Lund has really tried to explain it so that people would be encouraged to recognize and act on the promptings they receive. However I want quite halfway through when I decided to quit reading. Some of the examples he used I felt brought up doubts that didn’t need to be brought up. Maybe some people have wondered why the Angel Moroni appeared to Mary Whitmer instead of Emma Smith, but that never occurred to me to question. I understand that he would use examples like that to illustrate his point, but I didn’t feel that it was helpful. Anyway, I think overall it was a good book, but I also think the same principles could be learned more succinctly from reading conference talks and the scriptures.
July 1, 2018
Learned alot from this read. It's like everything is placed in here to help understand what you should be doing on a daily basis. It was a bit repetitious but in a good way. You could say he gave each principle its due that it needed. The things I am working on today I found I gripped on those areas. It would be a good reference book also. I like the times he challenges us to search scriptures for the answer to the discussions. Pushing us to learn of the answers for ourselves. All the knowledge acquired has a root of its beginning as he references talks, stories, most importantly scriptures. Enjoyed it this was a goodread.
October 18, 2018
I listened to this and thought it made a solid audio book, though I would like to go back and READ it to be able to absorb more. Mostly a collection of information I had heard before, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. This book collected less of dispararte information into an organized whole. One new (to me) thought that I got out of it, was the idea that since personal revelation is a skill, like any other skill, mistakes and errors should not surprise us, and we should press ahead, seeking to get better and "reduce the error rate" (phrasing all mine!). I know it seems weird, but knowing that mistakes are too be expected is comforting to me.
December 27, 2018
I’ve struggled my whole life to recognize the work of the Spirit in my life. I went into this book hoping against hope that it would solve that struggle for me. Of course, that hope shows my naïveté and my lack of maturity of spirit. It can never be as easy as reading a book. We grow spiritually slowly as we exercise faith. It takes time and work.
But I do think this book has a lot to offer. I feel like I am more prepared to exercise that faith, to try to divorce my own feelings from the whisperings of the Spirit. I feel like I’m ready to receive and recognize revelation in my life.
The book is long and sometimes long-winded and dense. But it’s worth a read.
4.0 stars
But I do think this book has a lot to offer. I feel like I am more prepared to exercise that faith, to try to divorce my own feelings from the whisperings of the Spirit. I feel like I’m ready to receive and recognize revelation in my life.
The book is long and sometimes long-winded and dense. But it’s worth a read.
4.0 stars
November 23, 2025
Learning to Hear the Lord in Everyday Moments
Hearing the Voice of the Lord by Gerald N. Lund is a thoughtful and faith-building book that explains how God desires to speak to His children and how we can learn to recognize His voice. I found the message warm and reassuring. Lund teaches in a simple and clear way, helping readers understand that revelation isn’t reserved for a few—it’s meant for everyone who sincerely seeks it.
What stood out to me most was his description of revelation as light that reaches both the mind and the heart. I appreciated his reminders that the Lord usually speaks in quiet, subtle ways—through thoughts, impressions, understanding, and gentle feelings. The book also explains how revelation comes through the Holy Ghost, always in harmony with our covenants and stewardship. I especially loved the emphasis on acting on the light we receive, learning from every experience, and building our own “oil” through small, consistent efforts.
This book encouraged me to slow down, be more reverent, and pay closer attention to the quiet impressions the Lord sends each day. It reminded me that true conversion grows as we live what we learn, not just understand it. With its practical teachings and gentle tone, I gladly give it five stars and recommend it to anyone who wants to strengthen their ability to recognize the Lord’s guiding voice.
Hearing the Voice of the Lord by Gerald N. Lund is a thoughtful and faith-building book that explains how God desires to speak to His children and how we can learn to recognize His voice. I found the message warm and reassuring. Lund teaches in a simple and clear way, helping readers understand that revelation isn’t reserved for a few—it’s meant for everyone who sincerely seeks it.
What stood out to me most was his description of revelation as light that reaches both the mind and the heart. I appreciated his reminders that the Lord usually speaks in quiet, subtle ways—through thoughts, impressions, understanding, and gentle feelings. The book also explains how revelation comes through the Holy Ghost, always in harmony with our covenants and stewardship. I especially loved the emphasis on acting on the light we receive, learning from every experience, and building our own “oil” through small, consistent efforts.
This book encouraged me to slow down, be more reverent, and pay closer attention to the quiet impressions the Lord sends each day. It reminded me that true conversion grows as we live what we learn, not just understand it. With its practical teachings and gentle tone, I gladly give it five stars and recommend it to anyone who wants to strengthen their ability to recognize the Lord’s guiding voice.
October 1, 2017
This is now my favorite Church book! Gerald Lund is still my favorite author and he covered every important aspect and question about revelation that I can think of. I learned and was reminded of so much through listening to this book. I want to read it again already, so I just bought a physical copy (I just listened to the audiobook)! I am going to highlight and mark my new copy and study for the next several months now!
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