Lesson 39: What I Learned from Section 138

One thing that really impressed me from Doctrine & Covenants 138 was President Smith's description of what he was doing that led to this remarkable vision. His words reflect a tried-and-true pattern for receiving revelation, not just for prophets, but for all of us. These are the steps I see in his narrative:

1. He was pondering and reflecting (see v. 1-2). Class members pointed out two significant points here: that he was in a quiet place alone to do this pondering, and that he was thinking about a specific doctrine. I think we sometimes assume that a prophet receives "lightning bolt"-type revelations. Although this might sometimes be true, I believe that, more often, the revelation they receive--like the revelation we all most often receive--is the result of quiet, specific pondering of doctrine. The thought came to me that it is impossible to get an answer if you don't have a question!
2. He opened the scriptures (see v. 6). One person gave a great perspective on this verse, showing how President Smith not only thought about these ideas, but he acted on them by going to the scriptures for more information. This led to a brief discussion of Elder Richard G. Scott's talk from this past General Conference, where he counseled us to "respond to, record, and apply the first promptings that come to you" in order to receive further revelation. I also thought it was significant that this was not the first time President Smith had read these particular passages of scripture--in fact, he had apparently studied them many times before. This shows that we need to continually be studying the word of God, because specific revelation can come to us even from well-known verses when the time is right.
3. He says "the eyes of my understanding were opened" (v. 11). I love this beautiful description of how it feels to receive direct revelation!
4. He felt the presence of the Holy Ghost (see v. 11). The Spirit is the vehicle of revelation--there can be no revelation without it (see Alma 5:46).
5. He testified of what was revealed to him (see v. 60). Although some revelations are too sacred to share with others, we should always follow the guidance of the Spirit and be willing to testify of what we have learned when prompted to do so. When we testify appropriately, the Spirit can witness to others of the truth of what we have shared. This is vital to kindling the "fire" of testimony in each others' hearts.

This same pattern, with slight variations, appears in many places in the scriptures, including 1 Nephi 1, 1 Nephi 5, Ether 3, and Moses 7. I challenge you to read these passages to find this pattern for yourself, as well as noticing it in other scripture accounts you read in the future.