What is the purpose?
Two hundred years ago, a fourteen year old boy had a question for God, it had been stirring in his heart for a long time, but it wasn’t until he read the verse, James 1:5 (in the Holy Bible) that he understood what he was to do next. His incredible experience taught us that God is all loving and will speak to any of His children who “Ask in faith”.
The five day “Ask in Faith” scripture programme is all about taking a question to God and following some simple steps every day to see how He answers you.
I say “how” rather than “if”. From personal experience, I believe he does answer every question, everyone in their own way, and it’s clear for each person to recognise and feel.
Prayer is essentially the key component because this simple action shows our faith in God. God is bound when we do what He asks. He has promised us that if we talk with Him in prayer He will answer, “by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” Moroni 10:5.
What you need to do?
It shouldn’t take more than 10 to 15 minutes to complete. What is absolutely crucial is finding a quiet moment in the day, without noise or distractions. Start with a prayer and having a pen and piece of paper, notebook or being ready to take notes on your phone or other digital device to write down your feelings. You can choose to do this alone, with a friend or as a family.
The Question
Before you start Day 1, please have a question in mind that you want God to answer for you. Your question can be about anything. What would you like to know from God, maybe it has significant relevance in your life right now?
How do you Hear Him?
The Lord reveals His will through the power of the Spirit (Kevin R. Duncan). The Holy Ghost (the Spirit of God) is a witness of the Father and the Son, a comforter, a teacher, and the bearer of valuable gifts of the spirit, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, discernment, and direction (Franklin D. Richards).
The power of the Holy Ghost teaches us of truth and confirms to our hearts and minds the love of our Heavenly Father to us as His son or daughter. As you participate in the ‘Ask in Faith’ test, we hope you feel spiritual impressions. They will likely come in different ways for different people. Please, write these impressions down and think about the meaning of them.
Living clean will be essential to your success in hearing God’s voice in your life. His Spirit is able to be with us as we try and be the best versions of ourselves. Anything that makes it difficult to feel that sense of inner peace will make it difficult for you to hear God’s voice.
You do not have to but are welcome to fast as you start or at any part of this experience. Please do not feel obliged to fast. Learn more about fasting here.
Alma 5:45-46
45 And this is not all. Do ye not suppose that I know of these things myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety?
46 Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me.
John 14:26
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
President Russell M. Nelson has taught us “Through prayer, we can show our love for God. And He has made it so easy. We may pray to Him any time. No special equipment is needed. We don’t even need to charge batteries or pay a monthly service fee.
Some people pray only when confronted with personal problems. Others don’t pray at all. A scripture makes this observation: “Ye do not remember the Lord your God in the things with which he hath blessed you, but ye do always remember your riches, not to thank the Lord … for them.” Helaman 13:22
Prophets have long told us to pray humbly and frequently.
