David A. Bednar on inviting the Holy Ghost into our lives

Elder David A. Bednar (1952- ) was sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2004.

"We more readily receive and recognize the Spirit of the Lord as we appropriately invite Him into our lives. We cannot compel, coerce, or command the Holy Ghost. Rather, we should invite Him into our lives with the same gentleness and tenderness by which He entreats us (see D&C 42:14).

"Our invitations for the companionship of the Holy Ghost occur in many ways: through the making and keeping of covenants; by praying sincerely as individuals and families; by searching the scriptures diligently; through strengthening appropriate relationships with family members and friends; by seeking after virtuous thoughts, actions, and language; and by worshipping in our homes, in the holy temple, and at church. Conversely, casualness about or the breaking of covenants and commitments, failing to pray and study the scriptures, and inappropriate thoughts, actions, and language cause the Spirit to withdraw from or to avoid us altogether."

- David A. Bednar, "Receive the Holy Ghost", Ensign, November 2010, pp. 94-97
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The words "Receive the Holy Ghost" are spoken to each newly-baptized member of the Church in the ordinance on confirmation, of conferring the Holy Ghost. But we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost at that time; actually receiving the Holy Ghost is a life-long process, as Elder Bednar points out. We need to receive Him daily, continually. And we do that by inviting Him into our lives.

Not only must we invite by the appropriate actions and activities, but we must also avoid the things that might prevent companionship: "casualness about or the breaking of covenants and commitments, failing to pray and study the scriptures, and inappropriate thoughts, actions, and language." This is a wise message to invite introspection in each of us.