How I Hear Him

I was invited by an Apostle, Elder David A. Bednar, to share how I hear the Lord's voice. For me, I hear Him especially when I pray, and usually with a specific question in mind. The answers to my prayers won't always come immediately, but often, a feeling of peace and comfort will come, and then little by little I will recognize specific answers as I study the scriptures or worship in the temple or talk with loved ones. I hear Him when I take time to ponder, journal, or just be still. Hearing Him, for me, usually comes as little thoughts, ideas, or feelings. I am a very anxious person, so I know it is the Lord when feelings of peace come to my heart with power.

The first time I can remember hearing the Lord speak to me, with absolute certainty, was when I was about 14. I was praying to know, for sure, if He knew and loved me, if I was His daughter, if He had a plan for my life. When I finished my prayer, I didn't hear any actual voice, but a feeling of deep peace, and undeniable comfort and joy. I know that it was His message to me that He knew me and loved me and had a plan for me. And now it is undeniable that I heard Him.

When life seems overwhelming, I seek His peace in the scriptures, in prayer, in sacred music, in nature, and in pondering. As I have had many moments of intense anxiety, fear, or sorrow, I have had much opportunity to seek that peace, and I have received it over and over. It is undeniable that the Lord is there and communicates with His children. I feel His love. I receive His peace. He teaches me, guides me, comforts me. If I were giving advice to someone wanting to better hear the Lord in their life, I would invite them to have the scriptures be a part of their daily routine, pray night and day (and sometimes in between), and take time to ponder about the Savior and His love. Be still. Be quiet. Disconnect from the world around you. I am so thankful that God communicates with His children. Without Him, I couldn't keep going. He means everything to me.