Sister Vicki F. Matsumori: Helping others recognize the whisperings of the Spirit

Learning to help others recognize the whisperings of the Spirit is important to everyday life, said Sister Vicki F. Matsumori , second counselor in the Primary general presidency during the Saturday morning session of conference.

"While each person can learn to recognize the whisperings of the Spirit, just as Elder Richard G. Scott has taught, that learning process can be facilitated as others help us understand about the Holy Ghost, share their personal testimonies and provide an environment where the Spirit can be felt," she said.

Understanding the doctrine.

After an individual has been confirmed by the proper authority and lives worthily, the Lord promises the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, she said. Drawing from words of the prophets and scriptures, Sister Matsumori identified some feelings of the Spirit as peace, hope, joy, a sensation of light, intelligence and sunshine.

"Whether in a classroom, a missionary discussion or a family home evening, teaching the doctrine regarding the Holy Ghost can help others understand this important gift."

Share personal testimony.

"We can help others become more familiar with the promptings of the Spirit when we share our testimony of the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives," Sister Matsumori said. "By sharing testimony of the Spirit in our lives, those who are unfamiliar with these promptings are more likely to recognize when they have similar feelings."

Provide an environment where the Spirit can be felt.

"If we provide a 'still' and quiet time each day when we are not bombarded by television, computer, video games or personal electronic devices, we allow that still, small voice an opportunity to provide personal revelation and to whisper sweet guidance, reassurance and comfort to us."

When individuals come to understand the whisperings of the Spirit, Sister Matsumori said, they will be taught and led in all things what they should do.

"We will be guided and protected. And we can cultivate this gift in our lives as we follow those spiritual promptings," she said. "Most important, we will feel Him witness to us of the Father and of the Son."

Watch video of this talk and other conference talks at ksl.com