After baptism we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the power of the Priesthood.

The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead, sometimes referred to as the Comforter, Light of Christ, Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Lord, and Still Small Voice. These are not only alternate names for the Holy Ghost, but describe the role and purpose of this Spirit. In the second book of scripture in the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi, the ancient prophet Nephi leaves his last words with us in chapter 33. Nephi chooses to begin his farewell by humbly revealing that he is not as confident in his writing as in his speech be cause the Holy Ghost can testify or bare witness of truth.

In 2 Nephi chapter 33 verse 1 reads, “And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which are taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.” In this verse of scripture, the use of the word “unto” is key to understanding the role of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit does not force us to believe anything. We still have our agency, the ability to choose between right and wrong, but the Holy Ghost simply informs us of what is right and true, bearing witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We alone have the power to bring the teachings and doctrines of Christ into our hearts, as the Spirit brings truth “unto” our hearts.

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines “unto” as “the archaic term for to,” whereas, “into” is defined as “expressing a change of state.” The Holy Ghost has the power to bring truth to our hearts, but it is our responsibility and choice to accept truths in order to experience a “change of state.”

I know that if there is anything that we are questioning or uncertain about, if we ask of God, we will receive an answer through the power of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost has the ability to warn us of danger, alert us to opportunities, and testify of the truthfulness of Christ’s restored church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With righteous desires and good intent, there is nothing that cannot be revealed unto us by the Spirit, that if we choose to accept has the power to change our lives forever.

This article was written by Y. Lofthouse, a student at Brigham Young University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Answers to prayers come in many different ways. A good way to answer this question may be to explain some of the generic ways prayers are answered.

There is a method of seeking revelation (communication from God to man) that allows prayers to be answered. Seeking revelation correctly begins through effort on our part. A simple prayer is often not enough. Important steps to consider are fasting, pondering, and building faith to accept an answer. As we fulfill these steps, God will see our efforts and bless us accordingly. Often the best method of seeking revelation or answers to prayers is to make a tentative decision after our fasting, pondering, and faith building. Once we feel we have a good preliminary decision, we take the decision to the Lord and ask for His confirmation.

Confirmation through the Holy Spirit is certainly an answer to prayers and the most common way that I have found God answers my prayers. When I turn to the Lord in prayer, asking if a choice is correct, it is truly a miracle to feel the peace in my heart, the clearness of my thoughts, and the knowledge that I know a prayer has been answered. When a tentative decision I have made is not correct in the Lord’s eyes, I will feel uneasy and my thoughts will not be clear regarding the issue. In the April 2007 general conference Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorom of the Twelve Apostles spoke on this topic. Please see his talk, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer.”

The scriptures teach that the Holy Spirit gives us revelation, or answers to prayers, in many ways. See if you can relate to any of these ways in which the Holy Spirit answers our prayers:

John 14:26 -Teaches truth and brings it to remembrance
Romans 15:13 -Gives feelings of love, joy, peace, patience, meekness, gentleness, faith, and hope
2 Nephi 32:1-5 -Tells what to do
Mosiah 5:2-5 -Strengthens the desire to avoid evil and obey the commandments
Alma 19:6 -Replaces darkness with light
Joseph Smith-History 1:11-12 -Helps scriptures have strong effect
Doctrine and Covenants 50:13-22 -Edifies both teacher and student
Preach My Gospel (Salt Lake City: Intellectual Reserve, 2004), 96-97.

Many people are lead to God’s true teachings through answers to prayers. I have observed countless people search, ponder, and sincerely ask the Lord for direction and then receive confirmation from the Holy Spirit that the subject they have been studying is true. This process that I have attempted to explain is the way I know that I am following the path God wants me to follow.