History of the Church 4:425; “The angel that appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos was a translated or resurrected body [i.e. personage], Jesus Christ went in body after His resurrection, to minister to resurrected bodies. There has been a chain of authority and power from Adam down to the present time.
The best way to obtain truth and wisdom is not to ask it from books, but to go to God in prayer, and obtain divine teaching. It is no more incredible that God should save the dead, than that he should raise the dead.” – Joseph Smith, July 17, 1841
Acts 17:11; “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
We have a few issues in this particular false prophecy/teaching.so let’s take a look at what’s going on.
1. Angels are not resurrected beings.
2. The Bible is bereft of information about Jesus visiting other resurrected bodies so this clearly cannot be of God.
3. What chain or authority has been in existence since Adam?
4. Knowledge is typically gained by listening to a teacher, parent, and leader or by reading.
Where in the Bible does it say praying does this exclusively?
By not having/using other resources or people to verify and consult with about the info that you’re teaching or believe there’s an open door for trouble.
I would suggest to the interested reader to consider the following speech/talk/article from David Bednar at https://www.lds.org/ensign/2007/09/seek-learning-by-faith?lang=eng
Bednar cites the same History of the Church reference, but using many more resources to provide context offers a broader insight as to the purpose of seeking knowledge through prayer. Clearly, knowledge comes by listening, reading, or some form of gathering information from others. However, the Mormon concept of learning and knowledge is centered on individuals being empowered to learn for themselves and decide on their own. For those that desire to learn through faith it requires a combination of study and hope that God does communicate with us individually. Of course, another person (through the written or spoken word) may inspire us, but ultimately we must decide to act and choose and test out what that person says.
Mormons do believe that revelation can come to individuals for guidance in their own lives and that specific individuals are called to provide guidance (more generally) to the entire church (i.e., Prophets and Apostles). Thus, Mormons do not feel that the Bible is the only source of truth, just as when individuals in past times did not have an equivalent written record like the Bible though they had at times prophets, apostles, teachers, and in much more limited form written information. Other scriptures encourage us to knock, seek, and find are guidance to us individually to seek by faith and then act to grow that faith and knowledge. While specific ordinances (e.g., baptism) may be only accessible through proper church priesthood authority, God is accessible to us all individually to lead and guide us.