“Hear Him”

There are only a few instances in the scriptures in which we specifically hear the voice of God the Father. On each of those occasions, He introduces or reaffirms the words of His Son, Jesus Christ. On three of those occasions, He specifically invites people to listen to His Son:

• On the Mount of Transfiguration, to Peter, James, and John: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matthew 17:5; see also Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35).
• At the temple in Bountiful, just before the resurrected Savior appeared to the Nephites and Lamanites: “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him” (3 Nephi 11:7).
• In the Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York, in 1820, to Joseph Smith: “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith—History 1:17).

President Russell M. Nelson pointed out that, on all three of these occasions, the listeners were frightened. He said, “Our Father knows that when we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear, what will help us the very most is to hear His Son” (“Hear Him,” General Conference, April 2020).

He suggested four activities that will help us hear the Savior’s voice:

1. Studying the scriptures
2. Worshipping in the temple
3. Learning to recognize the Holy Ghost
4. Heeding the words of living prophets

In response to President Nelson’s messages, various church leaders created short videos in which they shared simple ideas about how they hear the voice of the Savior. Here are some of their thoughts:

• President Jeffrey R. Holland says that he hears the Lord particularly when he prays out loud.
• Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf says that expressions of gratitude and love allow him to hear God’s voice.
• Elder David A. Bednar and Elder Ronald A. Rasband say that they find the voice of the Lord in the scriptures.
• Elder Quentin L. Cook and Elder Gerrit W. Gong say that they receive revelation most easily when they are trying to help someone.
• Elder D. Todd Christofferson says that he tries to always be open to the voice of the Lord, because we can’t dictate when He will speak to us.
• Elder Neil L Andersen says that he hears the Savior when he sincerely asks in prayer, “What do I need to change?“
• Elder Gary E. Stevenson says that he hears the voice of God by trying to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
• Elder Dale G. Renlund says that he hears God better when he draws closer to God, through regular church attendance, prayer, and scripture study.
• Elder Ulisses Soares says that he receives inspiration when he is willing to receive guidance and direction.
• Sister Camille S. Johnson says that she sometimes hears the voice of the Savior through the words of other people.
• Sister Joy D. Jones says that names come into her mind, indicating people the Lord wants her to serve.
• Sister Bonnie H. Cordon says that she receives messages from God as she fulfills assignments He has given her.

Today, I will strive to hear the voice of Jesus Christ. I will remember that I can hear His voice in many ways, and I will strive to be open to all of the messages I receive from Him.