In the spring of 1829, Oliver Cowdery volunteered to be Joseph Smith’s scribe as he continued to translate the Book of Mormon. The experience thrilled him, and he wondered if he could also receive revelation and the gift to translate. His first try, though, didn’t go well.

If you’ve ever struggled to receive or understand revelation, maybe you can relate to Oliver’s experience—and learn from it. As you read Doctrine and Covenants 6, 8, and 9, notice what the Lord taught Oliver about personal revelation. For example:

• What do Doctrine and Covenants 6:5–7; 8:1; 9:7–8 suggest about what the Lord requires of you before He will reveal His will?

• What do you learn from Doctrine and Covenants 6:14–17, 22–24; 8:2–3; 9:7–9 about the different ways revelation might come? How can you recognize it?

• What else do you learn about revelation from these sections?

Oliver’s experiences might cause you to “cast your mind” on moments when you’ve felt that the Lord was speaking to you (Doctrine and Covenants 6:22). Have you ever recorded your thoughts or feelings about these experiences?
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If so, consider reading what you wrote. If not, take some time to write down what you remember. Consider how you can continue to draw strength from these experiences. For some ideas, see Elder Neil L. Andersen’s message “Spiritually Defining Memories” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 18–22).

Several Church leaders have shared their experiences with revelation in the “Hear Him” video collection. After watching one or more of these videos, you might feel inspired to record your own experiences, sharing how the Lord has spoken to you.

See also Topics and Questions, “Personal Revelation,” Gospel Library; “Oliver Cowdery’s Gift,” in Revelations in Context, 15–19.

• The truths Oliver Cowdery learned about personal revelation can help your children as they develop their ability to recognize the Holy Ghost. You could use “Chapter 5: Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 22–25, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) to teach them about Oliver and what he learned. Share with each other your favorite parts of the story. As you do, emphasize things the Lord taught Oliver about how to hear God’s voice, and read relevant verses, such as Doctrine and Covenants 6:23 or 9:7–9.

• You could also invite your children to touch their heads and their chests as you read the words “mind” and “heart” in Doctrine and Covenants 8:2.
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• Tell your children, from your experiences, what it’s like when the Holy Ghost speaks to your mind and heart. Help them find answers to the question “How does the Holy Ghost speak to us?” in these verses: Doctrine and Covenants 6:15–16, 22–23; 8:2; 9:7–9.

The Lord knew Joseph Smith would experience “difficult circumstances” in coming years (Doctrine and Covenants 6:18). He knows what trials are in your future too. What do you find in His counsel to Joseph and Oliver in Doctrine and Covenants 6:18–21, 29–37 that helps you trust Him?

What do you feel it means to “look unto [Christ] in every thought”? (verse 36). How can you do this more consistently—during good times and “difficult circumstances”? Consider this counsel from President Russell M. Nelson: “It is mentally rigorous to strive to look unto Him in every thought. But when we do, our doubts and fears flee” (“Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 41).

See also Neil L. Andersen, “My Mind Caught Hold upon This Thought of Jesus Christ,” Liahona, May 2023, 91–94.

Why do we sometimes “fear … to do good”? (verse 33). What do you find in Doctrine and Covenants 6:29–37 that gives you courage to do good? Consider singing or listening to a hymn that inspires you to have courage in Christ, such as “Let Us All Press On” (Hymns, no. 243).

Notice how many times words like “desire” or “desires” appear in sections 6 and 7. What do you learn from these sections about the importance God places on your desires? Ask yourself the Lord’s question in Doctrine and Covenants 7:1: “What desirest thou?”

One of Oliver Cowdery’s righteous desires—to translate as Joseph Smith did—was not fulfilled. As you read Doctrine and Covenants 9:3, 7–14, what impressions do you receive that might help you when your righteous desires go unfulfilled for now?

See also Doctrine and Covenants 11:8; Dallin H. Oaks, “Desire,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 42–45.