(January 2003 TG Entry: Holy Ghost, Gift of TG Entry: Patriarchal Blessings)

Elder Robert D. Hales has written:

The compass on the instrument panel of an airplane gives us our relationship to true north, allowing for the effects of magnetic deviation and prevailing winds that will take us off our intended course. The Holy Ghost is like a compass because He gives us direction and helps us find the way to our destination, no matter how stormy the weather.

The Book of Mormon prophet Lehi was given the Liahona, a divine compass that was “prepared by the hand of the Lord that thereby they might be led, every one according to the heed and diligence which they gave unto him” (Mosiah 1:16). Just like those of Lehi’s day, we must give heed and diligence to the Lord in order to have the blessing of being guided by the Holy Ghost. (Robert D. Hales, “Return with Honor,” Ensign, June 1999, 9)

President Thomas S Monson has said:

The same Lord who provided a Liahona Lehi provides for you and for me today a rare and valuable gift to give direction to our lives, to mark the hazards to our safety, and to chart the way, even safe passage—not to a promised land, but to our heavenly home. The gift to which I refer is known as your patriarchal blessing. Every worthy member of the Church is entitled to receive such a precious and priceless personal treasure. (Thomas S. Monson, “Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 65)