In an October 1990 general conference address, Elder Robert K. Dellenbach of the Seventy suggested four steps to gaining a more profound testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored kingdom: having a desire, engaging in works, offering prayer and gaining trust in the Lord.
Of having a desire for such a testimony, Elder Dellenbach quoted D&C 6:22-23, in which Oliver Cowdery, who desired a more firm witness of the plates that contained the Book of Mormon record, was told by the Lord: "If you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things. Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter?" (D&C 6:22-23.)"The Lord told Oliver that, first of all, a person needs to have desire," Elder Dellenbach said.
Of the second step, works, Elder Dellenbach, spoke of Joseph Smith who went into the woods to pray, of Moses who climbed Mount Sinai, and of stalwarts such as his great-grandmother who boarded a ship in Denmark with her young children to join the Saints in Utah. "Righteous works yield a divine harvest," Elder Dellenbach declared. "The Lord said, `He who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.' " (D&C 59:23.)
Of the third step, prayer, Elder Dellenbach said, "As we sincerely pray to the Lord and rely upon His divine whisperings, that still, small voice will come to us. (See Hel. 5:30.) We will receive a peace, knowing that God has answered our prayers. . . . These spiritual embers can grow into a flame of testimony. (See Hel. 5:45.) . . . Surely the Lord would not ask us to pray if He did not intend to answer our prayers."
Of the fourth step, Elder Dellenbach quoted Prov. 3:5.: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Prov. 3:5.) We can trust the Lord. He is our truest Friend. He always keeps His word. `Dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith,' admonished Ether. (Ether 12:6.)
"May I ask you to extend your trust in the Lord. Take the Book of Mormon into your hands. As you read it, ask yourself: `Could any man write this?' Then ask the Lord, `Is this thy word?'
"If you have even a small desire for a greater witness, please do the works of righteousness, trust in the Lord, pray and anxiously explore the Book of Mormon."