Yesterday Curt had a personal concern and prayed about it.
Last night Duncan and I were in our room when Dunc mentioned to me that maybe I should check on our 12 year old because it sounded like he was weeping in his room. I quickly went into Curt’s bedroom and sure enough, he was getting into bed with tears running down his cheeks.
Are you okay?
“Yes, Mom. I just had a spiritual prayer.”
Do you want to talk about it? It is okay if you don’t. You can just ponder it in your heart like Mary (The Mother of Jesus) did.
(After a long pause Curt told me about his concern and the thoughts that came to his mind while he was on his knees. We talked about many things including the difference between visions and revelation.)
Anyone that has a clean heart and mind can have a vision or can receive revelation. Heavenly Father is anxious to communicate with us. We must first ask. Visions seem to be pictures or images of an event or person(s) in our mind that come from God. Revelation is this and many more quiet ways that God guides us throughout our life. Revelation can help us better understand the gospel, the past, present, or future better. It can also be symbolic in meaning, but is also often literal. In my experience revelation is accompanied by important feelings. Reflect on the way you feel so you can begin to understand what Heavenly Father wants you to know.
“What do I do about this answer to my prayer?”
Well, Curt, that is between you and your Heavenly Father. This is my suggestion:
– First, Enjoy what you are feeling right now. (Curt began to cry again.) Cherish and revel in the love you feel, enjoy the light, bask in God’s trust in you.
– Second, When you are ready – tonight or tomorrow – write it down. And ponder it. I even look back at my revelations and ponder them again years later. They are a source of joy and strength to me.
– Third, Pray to Heavenly Father to understand it. Ask Him what your impressions mean and what you are to do about it. And ask to learn more about Him, His gospel, and His will for you.
– Lastly, Live worthy to receive revelation again.
“Mom.”
Yes.
“This is very special.”
Yes, Son, it is. It is very special.
“[Revelation] is the making known of divine truth by communication with the heavens, and consists not only of revelation of the plan of salvation to the Lord’s prophets, but also a confirmation in the hearts of the believers that the revelation to the prophets is true. It also consists of individual guidance for every person who seeks for it and follows the prescribed course of faith, repentance, and obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. ‘the Holy Ghost is a revelator,’ said Joseph Smith, and ‘no man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations’ (HC 6:58). Without revelation, all would be guesswork, darkness, and confusion….Every person may receive personal revelation for his own benefit” (Bible Dictionary, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1987).
So you see, kids can receive revelation too. I invite you to share your revelations where appropriate, with your children. Teach them the process you go through to receive and interpret answers to prayer. Heavenly Father is anxious to bless us.