President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) clarified the phrase “the spirit of prophecy” and how we might attain this gift:
“Revelation may be given to every member of the Church. The Prophet said that every man should be a prophet; that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. It is not only the privilege but the duty of each member of the Church to know the truth which will make him free. This he cannot know unless it is revealed to him. …
“The gift of the Holy Ghost is given to the members of the Church so that they may have the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Let it be understood however, that they will not receive revelation for the guidance of the Church” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 2 vols. [1953], 2:217–18).