Top 10 Reasons for Regular Spiritual Experiences

Reasons why having spiritual experiences regularly is so important.

1. The scriptures give a name to those who choose to be on the Lord’s side and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost – that name is ‘Saint’. Spiritual experiences follow the Saints when they are in tune with and heed spiritual promptings (Mos. 3:19, 1 Cor. 2:14-16).
2. There are 11 words in the Sacrament prayer over the bread and 10 words in the Sacrament prayer over the water that promise those renewing their baptismal covenants to have more frequent experience with the Lord’s Spirit. For the prayer over the bread, when we are willing to take the name of the Savior upon us and remember Him and keep His commandments, we are promised: “that they may always have His Spirit to be with them”, and for the prayer over the water, when we commit to always remember Him we are promised “that they may have His Spirit to be with them.” Regularly and worthily partaking of the Sacrament will help us be more in tune to have spiritual experiences (D/C 20:77-79).
3. As baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we have entered into sacred covenants to serve Him and serve our fellow men, and to keep the commandments. In return, the Lord promises that he will pour out His Spirit more abundantly upon you”. As we share our testimony, make and keep covenants, serve God, and keep the commandments, we will be prepared to have an increase in spiritual experiences (Mos. 18:10).
4. When our attitude is one of hungering and thirsting after righteousness, the Lord promises us that we will be filled with the Holy Ghost. Always being in the right place, at the right time, with the right people, for the right reasons is one definition of righteousness. As we seek after this kind of righteousness, the Lord blesses us to be filled with the Holy Ghost (3 Ne. 12:6).
5. Although mentioned in each of the Sacrament prayers, it is also mentioned in other places in the scriptures - .
6. Allowing others to grow and develop at their own pace, using caution in having expectations beyond reason that could discourage or dishearten. Rather, encourage and challenge showing patience and love and confidence in the contributions and efforts of others. Knowing that the Lord will not give up on anyone; that He is willing to help everyone and anyone work out their salvation; that He will work unceasingly to cause His plan to be fulfilled – tirelessly setting into motion sequences of events and encounters which may seem random but are not, as they will eventually bring us back to our heavenly home, back to Him.
7. Maintaining an air of calmness and poise in moments of crisis. Waiting to learn all sides of a story before deciding on a course of action. Discerning truth from error, right from wrong, good from not so good. Avoiding being reactionary and quick in decisions unless absolutely necessary. Graciously giving people the benefit of the doubt, looking for and noting their good motives, their noble intentions and their righteous desires.
8. 8. Emulating the Savior in being fearless about standing up for the right. For goodness, morality, chastity, purity, obedience, endurance, virtue, honesty, discipline, compassion, responsibility, loyalty, dignity, respect, reverence, spirituality, courage, work, humility, self-mastery, progress, testimony, holiness, charity – for ALL things that are good – as we seek after these things. Teaching and exemplifying personal righteousness as: being in the right place, at the right time, doing the right things, for the right reasons. Unveiling the blessings that are bestowed from God for embracing celestial laws.
9. Helping others understand their ultimate and immeasurable worth. Clarifying their noble birthright and their royal lineage as literal spirit children of God, spirit offspring of a personal, loving Heavenly Father. Promoting behaviors and conduct that align with the inherent rights and duties of being a prince or princess of a King – our King, the Most High God.
10. Orchestrating balance in marriage, family, work, friends, ecclesiastical responsibilities, entertainment, etc. Putting everything in its proper place and in the appropriate perspective. Consistently trying to improve and better manage it all, knowing that the work is never done, and that doing the best you can every day is good enough. The Lord’s ample arm will make up the difference.

Bishop Wm. Calvin Hughes

May 18, 2009