Hear Him

The prophet has encouraged us to spend time with the Lord and learn to “Hear Him.” For much of my life, I’ve wondered about how to really do that. How to feel His spirit and know that’s what I’m feeling. It has been described as a “burning in the bosom” or a “still, small voice.” Some experience chills, others a feeling of warmth or comfort. I’ve actually had all of these, to some extent, but not as profoundly as it sounds like others have. 

My perfectionistic inclinations would have me limit the ways in which the Lord can speak to me. But I’m becoming more convinced that everyone is so unique. The way we experience life is unique. Two people can experience the same event and come away with significantly different perspectives. 

So why wouldn’t the Lord speak to me in ways specific to me? He does! 

I get quiet promptings, thoughts, and impressions throughout any given day. These would come under the “still, small voice” category. But when I really want to hear Him, I get mindful. I find that when I can move from the analytical part of me to the creative part of me, I can commune with Him relatively easily. Just in the past few weeks, I’ve had times where He has answered some questions and calmed some fears I’ve had for a long time. In fact, one experience was quite miraculous. All it took was for me to “be still” and exercise faith in Him to a higher degree. 

President David O. McKay was a proponent of mindfulness, which he called meditation. 

“I think we pay too little attention to the value of meditation, a principle of devotion. Meditation is the language of the soul. It is defined as ‘a form of private devotion or spiritual exercise, consisting in deep, continued reflection on some religious theme.’ Meditation is a form of prayer.

“Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay). 

As a proponent of mindful living, it makes sense that the Lord would speak to me through this method. Nephi tells us “For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding (2 Nephi 31:3).” Since mindfulness is part of my language, the Lord individualizes his voice to me in this way. I’ve come to see Him as a very personal, compassionate, merciful Being.