Seeking the Spirit

Seeking the Spirit by Joseph Fielding McConkie is a great book. It is really short (only 112 pages) but full of inspiring (and sometimes humorous) stories sandwiched by doctrines that come purely from the scriptures and teachings of latter-day prophets.

The main purpose of the book is to teach about personal revelation and how to recognize it. Many people receive revelation without realizing it, and others think they are receiving revelation, when it is really not. Through basic steps and doctrines outlines in this short book, we can gain a better understanding of how God communicates to His children.

I particularly liked a part of the book where the author teaches that God’s way is to give line upon line, precept upon precept. He points out various examples in the scriptures where the Lord gives step-by-step instructions, rather than giving everything at once. For example, Cornelius in the New Testament didn’t have an angel appear and say, “Cornelius, you need to believe in Jesus Christ and be baptized. Simon Peter can do this for you.” He was simply told to get Peter. This pattern of revelation can be found throughout the scriptures.

The author also talks about the individual responsibility each person has for revelation, while also discussing the importance of meeting together often, as we are commanded to do. For example, although one elder has the authority to bless and heal, we are instructed to call for two elders. This is because each elder sustains and builds the faith of the other. Through greater faith, the Lord can work faster.

Although this book is out of print, it is available as an ebook. It is quick and easy to read, and I found it very beneficial.