SwedishLDS Posted March 21, 2022 Posted March 21, 2022 I think for me it is usually a feeling of calm and clarity, like an optimised version of myself. On my mission I felt like that sometimes, that answers to questions would come to me and that I could pinpoint just what to answer and what was the real concern underneath. Or that a kind of fog disappeared once I reached a knowledge threshold and something clicked 1
SwedishLDS Posted March 21, 2022 Author Posted March 21, 2022 How do you people recognize the spirit?
Robert F. Smith Posted March 22, 2022 Posted March 22, 2022 (edited) Some Latter-day Saints speak of a "burning bosom" as confirmation by the Holy Spirit (D&C 9:8), and a stupor of thought to the contrary. I have never experienced that burning bosom, although it is a valid form of confirmation according to Scripture: For example, the Holy Spirit being sent into our hearts (Gal 4:6). On the Road to Emmaus, “They said to each other: ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he [Jesus] was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’” (Lk 24:32) Peter himself recognizes the source of such knowledge as the Holy Spirit on the occasion of his great sermon (Acts 2:17 = Joel 2:28), declaring specifically that what they witnessed and learned that day came via the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33), all that taking place at Pentecost, which is the Jewish celebration of the great theophany on Mt Sinai (Shavuot). The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus in a physical form, like a dove (Lk 3:22 NRSV) Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit (Lk 4:1 NJB), which gives him power (4:14,18 = Isa 61:1). Jesus selected his apostles by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:2 NJB). Jesus compliments Peter on his depending on the Holy Spirit for his knowledge of the true nature of the Savior (Matt 16:17). I know a man who gets into the Spirit "zone" simply by reading Scripture, any Scripture. My own experiences with the Holy Spirit have come a bit differently, often when worshiping in church, in which I cannot hold back the tears -- in which the Spirit confirms what I am singing or hearing by way of testimony. In the temple, it seems more of a meditative response affecting my entire body. I can also recall a unique occasion long ago when I arrived at the L.A. Temple Visitor's Center to see a newly released Joseph Smith film I had heard about -- a major production by the Church. I approached a gaggle of sister missionaries at the service desk and asked about the film. They pointed to a room and said that it was about to begin. I quietly entered the room, which was already darkened for the film, and a small Filippina sister missionary came in and introduced herself as Sister Viaverde from Manila, and gave a brief prayer. My face instantly flushed, became hot, and I teared up, something I had not experienced before, as though God was telling me that this was where He wanted me to be. I took the message to heart. I have not had that experience since. Sometimes, I won't be able to sleep and realize that I need to get up and record some thoughts that have come to me in furtherance of my research and writing projects. I have done some of my best work under such circumstances. I always thank the Lord for His help. Some have had actual conversations with the Spirit: Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” LDS General Conference, Oct 2009, Ensign, 39/11 (Nov 2009), online at https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/to-acquire-spiritual-guidance?lang=eng . Edited March 22, 2022 by Robert F. Smith 2
The Nehor Posted March 22, 2022 Posted March 22, 2022 It is a distinct sensation. I can feel it moving within me. I can point my finger at where the Spirit actively feels where it is (whether that corresponds to any physical reality I have no idea. It is usually in the chest area. Occasionally it moves into the head and that is when the strange thoughts come that I would never have guessed. I can’t force it. Prayer sometimes brings it. Reading can bring it. Meditation can. It almost always hits at some point during the sacrament. 2
bluebell Posted March 22, 2022 Posted March 22, 2022 I feel like a lot of times it sort of wakes me up. Like, I'll hear something that maybe I've heard many times before but suddenly it's THERE in a way that it never was before. Time kind of slows down in my head and that thing (whatever it was) reverberates in my mind so I notice it. Other times it's a thought that contradicts something I was thinking or doing, or causes me to pause. Such as, my sister is a bit of a hot mess right now and she and her three kids are living with my parents. I pray for them every day morning and night but a couple of weeks ago, as I was saying my general "please help them....etc." prayer the thought came into my head and stopped me mid-prayer "Today you need to be more specific and pray for them to have these things because they need some extra help" so I did. Later that night I felt impressed to tell my mother about the experience and she got teary eyed and told me that that morning had been really hard for her (lots of extra drama happening) and she had prayed for help but her heart was hard (her words, as she was angry) and she felt like God was distant. She was thankful that God found a way to bless her and her family when she wasn't capable of it in that moment. 3
Tacenda Posted March 22, 2022 Posted March 22, 2022 Certain hymns/songs will help me feel the spirit, or people on the other side. In remembering them.
Fether Posted March 23, 2022 Posted March 23, 2022 (edited) Feeling of peace when I have an idea I deem as good. Looking back on my life, there are many huge risky decisions I have made that have all paid off. All of which were extremely simple and easy to execute in the moment. I find that the more I align my life with the gospel, the more peace I feel in my life day to day. I believe the spirit can speak audibly, through great emotion, and so on, But I’m naturally a skeptical person and rather secularity pragmatic in my thinking so I would likely reject any such experiences as simply being my own creation. Also, Because I have been told so many “miracle stories” that turned out to be false / twisted, I typically reject them too until I can prove them through 1st hand sources. Until I can overcome this, I likely won’t experience anything beyond my feelings of peace. Things I experience that may also be the spirit: - I enjoy reading scriptures and questions are constantly popping into my head that lead me into lots of pondering. Not sure if this is the spirit directing me or just me being curious - excitement with new ideas to systematize my life or change the way we run the business I work in - excitement and passion for those I love - Excitement and passion to do good things Edited March 23, 2022 by Fether 1
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