You can watch or read Elder Renlund’s talk at: A Framework for Personal Revelation (churchofjesuschrist.org)

Elder Renlund began by using an analogy from aviation. He talked about the importance of operating within a framework and about how there is a framework for personal revelation.

The scriptures form the first element of this framework for personal revelation. Feasting on the words of Christ, as found in the scriptures, stimulates personal revelation. Elder Robert D. Hales said: “When we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures.”

What do you think Elder Hales was telling us? What implications does it have for our scripture study?

Elder Bruce R McConkie taught:  ‘I sometimes think that one of the best-kept secrets of the kingdom is that the scriptures open the door to the receipt of revelation.’ (Bruce R McConkie, Doctrines of the Restoration, p.243)

What examples do we have in Church history of the scriptures opening the door to the receipt of revelation?

The scriptures also teach us how to receive personal revelation. And we ask for what is right and good and not for what is contrary to God’s will. We do not “ask amiss,” with improper motives to promote our own agenda or to fulfill our own pleasure. Above all, we are to ask Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, believing that we will receive.

As well as stimulating revelation, the scriptures also give us some guidelines on receiving revelation. What guidelines does Elder Renlund pick out? You may wish to read the scriptures that Elder Renlund references in footnotes 10-14 of his talk.

A second element of the framework is that we receive personal revelation only within our purview and not within the prerogative of others.

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that that there is stewardship involved in receiving revelation. He said the following,

“I will inform you that it is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or anyone, to receive instruction for those in authority, higher than themselves…”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks further clarifies this doctrine of stewardship in revelation. He taught the following,

 “I have heard of cases where a young man told a young woman she should marry him because he had received a revelation that she was to be his eternal companion. If this is a true revelation, it will be confirmed directly to the woman if she seeks to know. In the meantime, she is under no obligation to heed it. She should seek her own guidance and make up her own mind. The man can receive revelation to guide his own actions but he cannot properly receive revelation to direct hers. She is outside his stewardship.

I have heard that on occasion here at BYU-Idaho a return missionary will take a beautiful young lady to the Idaho Falls temple and proceed to tell her about the dream he had the night before where he was told that this beautiful young lady was to marry him. I do not wish to make light of this scenario as I know that we are treading on sacred ground where eternal marriage is concerned. I only mention it here to teach that this sacred revelation will come to both the young man and the young woman. We should not forget that revelation is stewardship bound.”

Why is it an important part of the framework that we are not able to receive personal revelation within the prerogative of others?

A third element of the framework is that personal revelation will be in harmony with the commandments of God and the covenants we have made with Him. Consider a prayer that goes something like this: “Heavenly Father, Church services are boring. May I worship Thee on the Sabbath in the mountains or on the beach? May I be excused from going to church and partaking of the sacrament but still have the promised blessings of keeping the Sabbath day holy?” In response to such a prayer, we can anticipate God’s response: “My child, I have already revealed my will regarding the Sabbath day.”

The Lord also expects us to know what He has taught through his prophets. He expects us to know what he has already revealed to us about such issues as serving a mission, watching pornography, dating, and sexual purity. He has already given us the answers to questions that might arise concerning these or other issues.

Elder Renlund explains:

When we ask for revelation about something for which God has already given clear direction, we open ourselves up to misinterpreting our feelings and hearing what we want to hear.

The fourth element of the framework is to recognize what God has already revealed to you personally, while being open to further revelation from Him. If God has answered a question and the circumstances have not changed, why would we expect the answer to be different?

Do we ever feel tempted to keep going back to the Lord with a question because we don’t like the answer we have been given?

Elder Renlund gives the example of Joseph, Martin Harris and the lost manuscript pages. He then applies the principle to us personally.

If we have received personal revelation for our situation and the circumstances have not changed, God has already answered our question. For example, we sometimes ask repeatedly for reassurance that we have been forgiven. If we have repented, been filled with joy and peace of conscience, and received a remission of our sins, we do not need to ask again but can trust the answer God has already given.

It is important to note the phrase “and the circumstances have not changed”.

I invite you to have the confidence to claim personal revelation for yourself, understanding what God has revealed, consistent with the scriptures and the commandments He has given through His appointed prophets and within your own purview and agency. I know that the Holy Ghost can and will show you all things that you should do. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Which principles in this framework particularly stood out to you? Do you need to adjust your attitude to personal revelation?

In his first General Conference talk after being sustained as the President of the Church, President Nelson challenged us:

“I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation.”

Why is this an important challenge that we should all accept?

NB: Passages in italics are direct quotes from Elder Renlund’s talk.