May 23

How Do I Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost?

Doctrine and Covenants 51–57

Counsel Together

Led by a member of the quorum or class presidency; approximately 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme or the Young Women Theme. Then lead a discussion about items such as the following, and plan ways to act on what you discuss (you can decide in a presidency meeting which items to discuss):

• Our quorum or class. What can we do to build unity among quorum or class members? What goals would we like to work on together?

• Our duties or responsibilities. What are we doing to share the gospel? What experiences have we had doing temple and family history work?

• Our lives. How have we seen the hand of the Lord in our lives? What has inspired us in our scripture study this week?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind quorum or class members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; approximately 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

After we are baptized, priesthood holders lay their hands on our heads to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost. Quorum or class members may have been reminded of this when they studied Doctrine and Covenants 51–57 this week. However, receiving the Holy Ghost requires more than that. To receive the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we must desire His presence, invite Him into our lives, and faithfully keep the commandments. What blessings will come into the lives of those you teach as they seek His influence?

To help you prepare to teach, you could review “The Gift of the Holy Ghost” in True to the Faith ([2004], 83–84) or President Henry B. Eyring’s message “His Spirit to Be with You” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 86–89).

To receive the guidance of the Holy Ghost, we should seek His influence daily.

Learn Together

To help quorum or class members better understand the gift of the Holy Ghost, you might begin by talking about how the gift of the Holy Ghost is conferred. They could read Doctrine and Covenants 52:10; 53:3; 55:1–3 and discuss what they learn. Emphasize that the priesthood holder does not give the Holy Ghost but invites the member to receive the Holy Ghost. What is the difference? The activities below can help those you teach better understand how to receive this remarkable gift.

• What Lehi and his family did to be guided by the Liahona is similar to what we must do to receive the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost. You might show a picture of Lehi and the Liahona (see Gospel Art Book [2009], no. 68) and ask quorum or class members to share what they know about the Liahona. Then, you could invite half of them to read 1 Nephi 16:14–29 and the other half to read 1 Nephi 18:8–22, looking for ways the Liahona is like the Holy Ghost. What do we learn from the example of Lehi’s family that can help us more fully receive the Holy Ghost?

• Each section in For the Strength of Youth contains counsel about living the Lord’s standards and commandments. Living these commandments invites the power of the Holy Ghost into our lives. Consider inviting quorum or class members to each choose one of the sections in For the Strength of Youth, read it, and mark things that they should do or not do to help them receive the Holy Ghost. They could then share what they learned with the rest of the quorum or class. Invite them to set a goal that will help them more fully receive the Holy Ghost. Why do we want to have the Holy Ghost with us? (see John 14:26–27; 15:26; 16:13; 2 Nephi 32:3).

• In his message “His Spirit to Be with You” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 86–89), President Henry B. Eyring said, “My hope today is to increase your desire and your ability to receive the Holy Ghost” (page 86). Ask quorum or class members to read the nine paragraphs in his message beginning with “The experiences of the Prophet Joseph Smith” (page 88). Invite them to look for what Joseph Smith did to receive the influence of the Holy Ghost. They could list on the board what they find. As appropriate, you might invite them to share their experiences with receiving guidance from the Holy Ghost. What were they doing at the time of these experiences that led to receiving guidance from the Holy Ghost? You could share an experience as well.

Act in Faith

Encourage quorum or class members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. How does today’s lesson relate to personal goals they have made? If they would like, quorum or class members could share their ideas.

Supporting Resources

• Moroni 8:25–26; Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79; 121:45–46 (How to receive the Holy Ghost)

• David A. Bednar, “Receive the Holy Ghost,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 94–97

• Douglas D. Holmes, “The Gift of the Holy Ghost” (First Presidency Christmas Devotional, Dec. 4, 2016), broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

In preparation for His earthly ministry, the Savior was “led up of the Spirit into the wilderness” to fast, to pray, and “to be with God” (Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 4:1 [in Matthew 4:1, footnote b]). Powerful gospel teaching means not just preparing a lesson but preparing ourselves. (See Teaching in the Savior’s Way [2016], 12.)