D&C 76

The Prophet Joseph Smith records -

"For while we [he with Sidney Rigdon] were doing the work of translation, which the Lord had appointed unto us, we came to the twenty-ninth verse of the fifth chapter of John, which was given unto us as follows—
16 Speaking of the resurrection of the dead, concerning those who shall hear the voice of the Son of Man:
17 And shall come forth; they who have done good in the resurrection of the just; and they who have done evil, in the resurrection of the unjust.
18 Now this caused us to marvel..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:15 - 18)

The Prophet explained this special type of "marvel" that comes by studying the scriptures, he said -

"...for it was given unto us of the Spirit." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:18)

We are touched and enlightened by the Spirit as we are worthy on ponder the words of Christ. The Prophet continued -

"...while we meditated upon these things, the Lord touched the eyes of our understandings and they were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone round about." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:19)

We see this pattern amongst many of the modern revelations. Nephi had a similar experience as he -

"...had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain..." (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 11:1)

Joseph F. Smith records -

"...I sat in my room pondering over the scriptures..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 138:1)

And -

"...As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I saw..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 138:11)

It appears that pondering and meditation is required to be "given of the Spirit" and fulfil the Lord's promise that -

"...to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.
8 Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations.
9 And their wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent shall come to naught.
10 For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will—yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:7 - 10)

President David O. McKay said -

“I think we pay too little attention to the value of meditation, a principle of devotion. . . .

Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord." (In Conference Report, Apr. 1967, p. 85.)