Life Help

God’s Gift to Help You Learn

By Amanda Penrod

Church Magazines

Supercharge your learning by understanding the role of the Holy Ghost in it.

Have you ever wanted to learn a new language, but never tried because you didn’t think you could? Did you want to try a new recipe, get better at math, or learn how to swim? Guess what? With the help of the Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead, your ability to learn can improve!

The spirit of learning and knowledge is one of the many gifts of the Holy Ghost. He can help you in so many ways, including in your learning.

How the Holy Ghost Helps You Learn

Illustrations by Emily E. Jones

1 Confirms what you learn is true

(See Moroni 10:5.)

Example: You feel peace in your heart and mind after learning something true in seminary.

2 Can help you remember what you learn

(See John 14:26.)

Example: While talking with a friend, you might remember something you haven’t thought of in a long time. That thought could be the answer to their question or may provide them comfort.

3 Enlightens your mind and understanding

(See Doctrine and Covenants 6:15; Alma 32:28. To enlighten means to understand something better.)

Example: You’ve been struggling to learn a new math formula. After studying and asking for help, you finally understand it and how it applies to the real world.

4 Can fill you with joy!

(See Doctrine and Covenants 11:13.) He can fill you with joy and help you know that you are progressing and becoming more like God.

Example: A loved one comes over to teach you their famous soup recipe. You feel joyful because of the time you spent together and because you learned something new!

Ideas for Inviting the Holy Ghost to Be with You

1. Obey the commandments (see Moroni 8:25–26). If you want the Holy Ghost to be your companion, you need to strive to follow God and obey Him. You don’t have to be perfect, but it helps if you are trying.

2. Pray sincerely. “The Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:14). Pray for the Holy Ghost to be with you and help with what you’re learning.

Tip: Find a quiet place to study regularly. Look for a place that helps you feel the Holy Ghost.

3. Listen, learn, and trust the ways the Holy Ghost speaks to you. The spirit of learning and knowledge is one of the gifts of the Holy Ghost. In the scriptures, we are taught that the Holy Ghost speaks to our minds and our hearts (see Doctrine and Covenants 6:15, 22–24; 8:2; 9:7–9).

   The Holy Ghost might also speak to you in other ways.

4. Exert effort. President Russel M. Nelson has said, “The Lord loves effort” (in Joy D. Jones, Apr. 2020 general conference [Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 16]). As you study hard, do your best, and put in the needed work to learn something, God will help you.

Opening Doors of Opportunity

Education and lifelong learning can help you find ways to love and serve others better than you ever thought possible. As you seek the Holy Ghost while you learn, God can improve your efforts.