gradually and almost unnoticed

"...the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened..." Ephesians 1: 17-18

Light makes things clear and recognizable. I've been focusing on the sun in my astronomy writings the last couple weeks. Sunrise is subtle and gradual discernment of light. White light is dispersed by particles and water vapor in the atmosphere to show us blue during the day . Each morning I watch this phenomenon from my study desk.

It is the same with prayer and faith. As we put ourselves in places, where we can absorb subtle lights from the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghosts takes pure light and filters it so we can see what we need to see. Since answer to prayer does not generally occur as a thunderbolt, we must prepare ourselves to receive gentle and gradual light--ine upon line as gentle as a breeze.

This idea makes me consider Mary Fielding Smith's experience after some hooligans hid her oxen. While the men were out for hours searching, Mary was on her knees pleading and listening, waiting for light. Slowly she was shown exactly, where to find the missing animals. With great faith, she walked directly to the spot through the group of hooligans who tried to confuse her. The oxen were found tethered in a ravine filled with a thicket of willow and brush.

Most do not receive the truth through grand manifestations or visitations. The Holy Ghost acts most often in simple ways. Strong impressions do occur, but more often the whisperings are a thought to act. Humility and faithful obedience to the laws of God will allow subtle revelation to guide us.  Praying for guidance, we receive direction. As we strive to keep the commandments and live according to gospel principles, we can be assured that our paths will be guided and inspired. The sun of revelation and inspiration will rise into a brilliant blue sky so gradually and almost unnoticed. We will find our oxen in thickets of willow.