1991
Courting the Holy Ghost
August 1991

“Courting the Holy Ghost,” Friend, Aug. 1991, inside front cover

Courting the Holy Ghost

By Elder Carlos E. Asay

of the Presidency of the Seventy

(Adapted from an article in the April 1988 issue of the Ensign, pages 15–17.)

By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things (Moro. 10:5).

When I was a young man, I fell in love with a beautiful girl. More than anything in the world, I wanted to receive her love and eternal companionship. I therefore behaved my best, spoke my best, and gave my best as I courted her and sought to gain her favor. My desire was, and still is, to please her and to avoid any offense.

The companionship of the Holy Ghost is cultivated in much the same manner. To obtain His influence and companionship, we must be our best; we must be worthy of His presence. To attract and obtain the Holy Spirit we must:

  1. Keep our bodies and minds clean. (See 1 Cor. 3:16–17.)

  2. Have faith. (See Moro. 7:32.)

  3. Avoid sin. (See Alma 11:37.)

  4. Pray. (See 2 Ne. 32:8–9.)

  5. Feast upon the words of Christ. (See 2 Ne. 32:1–3.)

If you do these things, you need never be alone, for you will have the most important companion of all—the Holy Ghost.