“The things of God are understood by the Spirit of God. That Spirit is real. To those who have experienced its workings, the knowledge so gained is as real as that received through the operation of the five senses. I testify of this. I am confident that each of you can testify of it. I urge you to continue throughout your lives to cultivate a heart in tune with the Spirit. If you do so, your lives will be enriched. You will feel a kinship with God our Eternal Father. You will taste the sweetness of joy that can be had in no other way.”

American religious leader and author

Gordon Bitner Hinckley was an American religious leader and author who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1995 until his death in 2008. He is remembered as the church’s 15th president and, among members, as a prophet, seer, and revelator. Hinckley served at the head of the church for nearly 13 years and reached 97 years of age. He was, for a time, the oldest person to preside over the church. His public words reflect his role as a faith leader and his long service in the church.