Nephi, Lehi, and others had "many revelations daily" (Helaman 11:23). Frequent revelation is not just for prophets—it’s available to you, too. Recording your impressions can help you receive revelation more consistently. Nephi’s father, Helaman, had urged his sons to "remember, remember." He wanted them to remember their ancestors, remember the words of the prophets, and most of all remember "our Redeemer, who is Christ" (see Helaman 5:5–14).
"I often wondered how Nephi and his brother Lehi "and many of their brethren" had "many revelations daily" (Helaman 11:23). At first that seemed impossible to me, but I no longer feel that way. As we record and reverence and savor each spiritual impression given, it opens the door for us to also receive multiple spiritual promptings daily." Tad R. Calister, Record Spiritual Insights to Receive More Revelation in Your Life, Church News October 24, 2017
Write Your Personal "Small Plates"
Elder Bednar relates: "Elder Richard G. Scott once taught me that spiritual knowledge, properly recorded, is available in times of need. [Read or listen to Elder Scott's talk: Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge.] As I record what I feel in my heart and the thoughts that come to my mind by the power of the Holy Ghost, it is like writing on "small plates" – my personal sacred writings. It is a pattern of hearing Him and recording the things that will help me to always remember what He said. "Hear Him" in Your Heart and in Your Mind
Here are some ideas for recording your impressions and preserving them for your own benefit and to influence generations to come, as explained in 5 Unique Ways to Record and Remember Revelation (Bentlee Rice, Church Magazines):
Record revelation in many accounts over time. Joseph Smith set this example in his accounts of the First Vision, including different details depending on the audience and the time he was writing. Try writing down your experiences at different times. When I record in the moment, I save the feelings I had and the raw power of the message I’ve received. Later, when I read back over what I’ve written, I can experience those same feelings again. But when I write about the same experience again later, I often make connections that I hadn’t thought of before.
Write about it to multiple audiences. When you have a spiritual experience, write it to different people (even if you never deliver it!). You can write to your mom, your best friend, your future kids, or even your future self. You’ll notice that you include different details and that your tone is different in each version. Doing this can help you remember all the details of your experience.
Find different ways to record other than writing in a journal. I like making quick notes on my phone of phrases that stick out to me during church, or of thoughts that pop into my head while I am walking to work. You can also use tools in the Gospel Library App to record revelation while you are studying the scriptures. There are plenty of quick and easy ways to record promptings you receive—find what works best for you!
Record yourself talking about your experiences. Fortunately, smartphones or tablets make this easy to do at any time. And whenever you’re feeling discouraged, you can watch or listen to these recordings and be reminded that God is aware of you and giving you personal direction. That knowledge and reassurance can be extremely powerful. You’ll experience the same feelings you felt when you received the original revelation, and you will also feel empowered to pursue ways to receive more inspiration from Heavenly Father. (Note: See info about recording below).
Use prompts. If you are struggling to record or even receive personal revelation, start by following the guidelines in Come, Follow Me. Answer the questions found in each lesson. Also, try asking those around you how they have recorded revelation. Everyone has their own way of remembering revelation, and your friends and family may inspire you to try new ways to record your impressions.
In his October 2007 General Conference address O Remember, Remember, Henry B. Eyring relates why he began writing things down, and the blessings of recognizing the Lord's hand in his life. See also:
Nephi's father, Helaman, had urged his sons to "remember, remember." He wanted them to remember their ancestors ...
"Remember that the names which will be so difficult to find are of real people to whom you owe your existence in this world and whom you will meet again in the spirit world. When you were baptized, your ancestors looked down on you with hope. Perhaps after centuries, they rejoiced to see one of their descendants make a covenant to find them and to offer them freedom. In your reunion, you will see in their eyes either gratitude or terrible disappointment. Their hearts are bound to you. Their hope is in your hands. You will have more than your own strength as you choose to labor on to find them." Henry B. Eyring, "Hearts Bound Together," Ensign, May 2005
Try these FamilySearch Activities to learn about, remember, and honor your ancestors:
There are many prophets described throughout the Book of Mormon, but Helaman 7–11 is a particularly good place to learn what a prophet is, what he does, and how we should receive his words...what has he taught recently? What are you How do these verses affect how you feel about our living prophet? What has he taught recently? What are you doing to listen to and follow his direction?
As individuals and as families, one idea is to take inventory of what President Nelson has counseled, asked, and shown us to do as members of the church in regard to gathering Israel on both sides of the veil. Make a plan for temple and family history work and pray for guidance on how to implement it and follow through. Review the promises given for participation in this great work (one idea is to do a search in The Family History Guide using the keyword "promises").
Write (or audio-record) one story about your life as you study each Come, Follow Me lesson to have 52 by the end of the year. Save as a story and add it to your FamilySearch memories to preserve it. Use your own questions, those from (or inspired by) Come, Follow Me, or the #52 Stories Project. See below for ideas:
What experiences have you had with personal revelation?
Write about an ancestor you are looking forward to meeting and why.
What are your temple and family history goals right now and what have you been working on?
