Thanksgiving prompts us to focus on gratitude, a practice that can prepare us to feel the Spirit more often. Inspired by insights from Dale G. Renlund’s book Learning to Listen, here are a couple of reasons why cultivating gratitude can help you receive revelation.
1. Focusing on Blessings Helps You See the Lord’s Hand
Reflecting on your blessings is a crucial step to inviting His Spirit into your life. It can also help you remember past spiritual experiences and prime you to recognize divine guidance in the future.
As Elder Renlund suggests, “Gratitude is often a prerequisite for feeling the Spirit in our lives and seeing the hand of the Lord every day.”
Even if you struggle to recognize your blessings immediately, you may be surprised to realize just “what the Lord has done” in your life when you take a few minutes to ponder.
To recognize the Lord’s hand even more this Thanksgiving, try:
- Journaling about a spiritual experience
- Writing a list of recent good things in your life
- Reading your patriarchal blessing
- Spending a few minutes outside admiring God’s creations
- Studying a scripture chain about gratitude
2. Expressing Thanks Fosters Spiritual Connection
Another practice that invites the Spirit into your life is expressing appreciation, particularly through prayer.
Thanking God for our blessings nurtures humility, awareness, and spiritual receptiveness. Elder Renlund teaches:
“In our prayers, as we express our gratitude to God, we are better able to recognize His mercy. Gratitude, not entitlement, opens our hearts and minds to inspiration and is a key to seeking the Spirit.”
We can also feel more fruits of the Spirit by expressing appreciation to the people around us. And as we verbally express gratitude, especially during Thanksgiving, we can uplift others by helping them to recognize their spiritual gifts and divine worth.
To invite the Spirit into your expressions of gratitude this season, try:
- Saying a personal prayer focused only on thanking God
- Taking the time for a special family prayer on Thanksgiving
- Sending a thank-you letter to a ward member or loved one
- Calling or FaceTiming a friend to express appreciation
- Acknowledging a family member for specific ways they bless your life
Read more about principles for personal revelation in Learning to Listen.
Recognize how revelation works
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▶ The best question to ask your family this Thanksgiving
▶ 3 sweet traditions Pres. Oaks has with his grandchildren
▶ Unique Nativities to set the scene this Christmas
