Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke during the Saturday afternoon session of October 2023 general conference. He gave four guiding principles to invite and recognize the promptings of the Spirit. The following is a summary of what he said.
Elder Stevenson’s talk summary
Latter-day Saints should be gifted, covenant-keeping people. Each one should seek to exercise spiritual gifts and then invite and learn to recognize promptings of the Spirit. Four guiding principles to assist in this spiritual endeavor are:
- Stand in holy places.
- Stand with holy people.
- Testify of holy truths.
- Listen to the Holy Spirit.
Holy places include temples, homes, meetinghouses, seminary buildings and institutes, Church history sites and visitors’ centers.
Consider gatherings of holy people, quorums and classes, FSY and seminary, ward and stake activities, even ward choirs.
Testify of holy truths often. “As you seek and take opportunities to share your testimony with others, you will create moments to recognize the Spirit for yourself.”
Listen carefully to the Spirit, which speaks in subtle, quiet tones. Being attuned to the language of the Spirit requires diligent, patient effort. “Exercising spiritual gifts requires spiritual exercise.”
Spiritual impressions will align with scriptures and living prophets’ teachings. They will be consistent with each assignment but cannot be forced. Nor are they necessary in every thing.
When people look in the mirror, they can remind themselves of their divine identity and that they are gifted with the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Notable quotes
“If you hope to feel the Spirit, be in a place where the Spirit can easily dwell.”
“The Spirit cannot be restrained from attending a gathering of holy people.”
“As we listen and act on spiritual promptings, the Holy Ghost magnifies our abilities and capacities, to far exceed what we can do on our own.”
See the full text of Elder Stevenson’s talk: ‘Promptings of the Spirit’
Who is Elder Stevenson?
- Elder Gary E. Stevenson was sustained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Oct. 3, 2015. He had been serving as the presiding bishop since 2012.
- Elder Stevenson has lived more than nine years in Japan — first as a missionary serving in the Japan Fukuoka Mission, then as president of the Japan Nagoya Mission from 2004 to 2007, and as area president of the Church’s Asia North Area from 2008 to 2012. In 2016, he joined President Russell M. Nelson, who dedicated the Sapporo Japan Temple, and later accompanied President Henry B. Eyring as he rededicated the Tokyo Japan Temple in 2022.
- He met his wife, Sister Lesa Jean Higley Stevenson, at Utah State University. The couple married Aug. 20, 1979, in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, and are the parents of four sons.
What has Elder Stevenson done recently?
- During the April 2023 general conference, he detailed the Easter story in 3 Nephi.
- On June 18, Elder Stevenson dedicated the Helena Montana Temple .
- He introduced the new Preach My Gospel app at the Seminar for New Mission Leaders in June
- He ministered in Iceland, Scotland and England in September, and met with missionaries and leaders in Brazil in May.
Read more of Elder Stevenson’s general conference addresses, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
