First, what would a Latter-day Saint say is the Holy Ghost?
He is the third member of the Godhead (God the Father, Jesus Christ his son, and the Holy Ghost). He is "a personage of spirit." Meaning he does not have a body of flesh and bones as we believe God the Father and Jesus Christ do. His purpose is primarily to witness of Jesus Christ and God the Father. He also reveals truth, gives direction, gives comfort, enlightens our minds, gives strength to do right, and may give warning of physical or spiritual danger.
So why is the Holy Ghost so important to members of the Church?
It is how the Church is led and directed--by the Spirit of God. We believe in continuing revelation. Meaning that God still speaks today through his chosen and anointed servants (Prophets and Apostles) to lead the Church. He also speaks to each of His children giving comfort, peace, understanding, and direction through the Holy Ghost.
Right after each member of the Church is baptized, they are "confirmed." One or more authorized priesthood holders lay their hands upon the person's head and confirm them a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and bestow the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This means that the Holy Ghost may be each person's constant companion as they are worthy (note: I didn't say perfect) by striving to keep the commandments and repenting as necessary.
I think it's important to know that the Holy Ghost can come upon any person to witness of truth before they are baptized, but it will not remain with them until they are baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the proper authority.
Recognizing the influence of The Holy Ghost
Recognizing the presence and promptings of the Holy Ghost is a skill that is each member's privilege and opportunity to cultivate. Here is a scripture that describes what it is like to feel the Holy Ghost:
(Background on the following scripture: this comes from the Book of Mormon immediately before the Resurrected Christ appeared to the ancient people of America. The voice they are hearing is God the Father's.)
"And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn." - 3 Nephi 11:3(Background on the following scripture: 2 ancient missionaries named Nephi and Lehi went about teaching the gospel and were imprisoned. The voice of the Lord is heard by the people telling them to repent.)
"And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul." - Helaman 5:30
From the Bible:
"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
- Galatians 5:22-23
From one of our children's songs "I Know My Father Lives":
I know my Father lives and loves me too, The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me it is true
and tells me it is true.
He sent me here to earth by faith to live His plan
The Spirits whispers this to me and tells me that I can
and tells me that I can.
The spirit is a voice of affirmation or encouragement. When I feel the Spirit, I feel a true joy and added strength. I have a fresh "can do" attitude about the things Heavenly Father would have me do--to progress and flourish through my life and do it with the happy feelings that accompany the Spirit's influence.
God told early members of the Church (while Joseph Smith was the Prophet): "Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now behold this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground." - Doctrine & Covenants 8:2
May I suggest reading this brief talk written and given by Boyd K. Packer, an Apostle of Jesus Christ:
How Does the Spirit Speak to Us?
And I'd recommend another talk called Timing also by an Apostle, Dallin H. Oaks. It talks about how God's timetable and our own are not always the same, and how we can trust in His timing. I thought this was a good one to refer you to, because sometimes God doesn't answer our prayers immediately (but he DOES answer them) --sometimes it takes time. But in His time and in His own way.
Got any questions for me? Leave a comment!
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