We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Revelation is how God talks to us. Through the Holy Ghost impressions are given and inspiration is received. We each have the ability to receive revelation for those we have stewardship over, so I can receive revelation regarding my own needs, the needs of my children, and even the needs of those who I have been called to teach and care for in my role as a visiting teacher (sisters in the LDS Church are paired up and given the names of other sisters in the ward to visit with at least once a month and care for). The bishop of our ward supplicates the Lord for revelation on how he should care for and direct the members of the ward. The prophet has the great responsibility of receiving revelation for the entire Church.

We can also receive inspiration for those in need, who may not fall under our stewardship at the time. I can’t think of a specific example from my own life, but I’ve heard of many wonderful instances where a family felt was overwhelmed and unable to pay their groceries, and a bag of food showed up on their doorstep. Or when a sister in the ward felt particularly overwhelmed while attempting to care for her children and another women showed up on her doorstep unasked and tidied up the house and helped care for the children. I believe God often inspires us to be the angels on earth that others need in times of trial.

The scriptures sometimes speak of visions, dreams, and visitations by angels, marvelous and glorious events that not everyone will experience in their lifetime. I know that in my own life, revelation is always much quieter, much more subtle. I must be actively working to draw as close to the Lord as possible if I want to hear the whisperings He sends through the power of the Holy Ghost. If a person is looking for guidance from God sometimes it may be difficult to know how to begin looking for it. LDS.org has a wonderful list of things that can be done to receive more guidance from the Holy Ghost:

Pray for guidance. The Lord said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matthew 7:7–8). In order to find and receive, we must seek and ask.

Be reverent. Reverence is profound respect and love. When we are reverent and peaceful, we invite revelation. Even when everything around us is in commotion, we can have a reverent attitude and be prepared to receive guidance from the Lord.

Be humble.Humility is closely related to reverence. When we are humble, we recognize our dependence on the Lord.

Keep the commandments. When we keep the commandments, we are prepared to receive, recognize, and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Partake of the sacrament worthily. The sacramental prayers teach how to receive the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit. When we partake of the sacrament, we witness to God that we are willing to take upon ourselves the name of His Son and that we will always remember Him and keep His commandments. Our Heavenly Father promises that when we keep these covenants, we will always have the Spirit to be with us. (See D&C 20:77, 79.)

Study the scriptures every day. As we diligently study the scriptures, we learn from the examples of men and women whose lives have been blessed as they have followed the Lord’s revealed will. We also become more receptive to the Holy Ghost in our own lives. As we read and ponder, we may receive revelation about how a certain scripture passage applies to us or about anything else the Lord desires to communicate to us.

Take time to ponder. When we take time to ponder the truths of the gospel, we open our mind and heart to the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost (see 1 Nephi 11:1; D&C 76:19; 138:1–11). Pondering takes our thoughts from the trivial things of the world, helping us gain a more eternal perspective and bringing us closer to the Spirit.

When seeking specific guidance, we should study the matter out in our minds. At times the Lord’s communication will come only after we have studied a matter out in our minds.

Patiently seek God’s will. God reveals Himself “in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will” (see D&C 88:63–68). Revelation will often come line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. We should be patient and trust in the Lord’s timing

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is built upon the idea that God still speaks to His children today, that He still has so much more He wants us to learn. Through the power of revelation Joseph Smith brought forth an ancient record called the Book of Mormon, a record of His children living in Ancient America, containing messages of hope, peace, joy, trials and tribulations similar to those found in the Bible. As LDS members we frequently use the term “modern revelation” to speak of official pronouncements from Church leaders, like those found in the book known as the Doctrine and Covenants and addresses from General Conference. We sustain our leaders as men called by God to serve in those capacities and believe that it is their stewardship to receive revelation for the areas which they have been called to preside over.

I am frequently asked why I choose to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Why do I believe that this is the same Church Jesus Christ founded upon the earth 2000 years ago? The power of personal revelation. I read the words of the leaders I believe are stewards over the earth today, just as great men from the Bible like Moses and Noah and Enoch were given responsibility over God’s children, and the Spirit of the Lord testifies to me that what I am reading is the truth. That following the teachings of the men who have guided the Church from the time of Joseph Smith until now (and continuing on into the future) will bring me not just happiness, but eternal joy, and that by following their teachings I can return to live with my Father in Heaven once again.