We must learn how to recognize the Holy Spirit to recognize the voice of the Shepherd.
Jesus teaches, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). To be a disciple of Christ, we need to know his voice—but what if we don’t recognize it?
In his 2021 BYU devotional “His Sheep Still Hear His Voice,” President Mark L. Pace highlights principles we can apply to invite the voice of the Shepherd.
First, he encourages us to “read the scriptures, with a particular focus on the Book of Mormon.” In my life, I have found so much beauty and complexity in the Book of Mormon. Reading it consistently has strengthened my testimony of God’s love and the power of trusting in Him. My study has also invited the Holy Spirit into my life more constantly. Even making time in the day to listen to a few verses on the Gospel Library app has a positive impact on my life, enabling me to better hear the Shepherd’s voice.
Second, he advises us to “pray with a humble willingness to listen and act in faith.” President Pace shares that when he disagrees with his wife about something, he prays for direction with a paper and pen and writes down the thoughts that come in response. Whether we are seeking guidance in a marriage or in other circumstances, humbly praying with a commitment to act can bring forth powerful changes in our hearts and an increase of the Spirit in our lives.
The prophet Nephi teaches us in 2 Nephi 32:2–3 that the Holy Ghost speaks the words of Jesus Christ. Elder David A. Bednar adds to this in a 2015 Face to Face event, stating that “Moroni teaches that all good emanates from Christ, so if you have a thought to do something good, it’s prompted by the Holy Ghost.” As we seek for and heed the promptings of the Holy Spirit more diligently, intentionally, and humbly, we will learn to recognize the familiar voice of the Shepherd.
Listen to President Mark L. Pace’s devotional, “His Sheep Still Hear His Voice,” to learn more about recognizing and receiving spiritual impressions.
Source: BYU Speeches
—Ellie Lewis, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY ESPERANZA DORONILA
Find more insights
Take a look at Elder David A. Bednar and Sister Susan Bednar’s 2015 Face to Face event.
Check out Chaning Cunningham’s Latter-day Saint Insights article “Hearing the Shepherd’s Voice” to learn more about the voice of the Spirit.