First promptings are pure inspiration from heaven. When they confirm or testify to us, we need to recognize them for what they are and never let them slip past. So often, it is the Spirit inspiring us to reach out to someone in need, family and friends in particular.
Think of it as being what is called a first responder. The Lord knows the needs of all His children—and He knows who is prepared to help. If we respond, He will call on us time and time again and we will find ourselves on what President Monson calls “the Lord’s errand.” We will become spiritual first responders bringing help from on high.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband, "Let the Holy Spirit Guide", General Conference, April 2017
How many times do we have a thought to help someone else, a thought that just popped into our minds? I know I've had many thoughts like that. To simply pick up the phone, or send a text, or an email. Even pay a visit in person before this pandemic.
I've had many thoughts and impressions like that but I shrugged them off thinking those thoughts were just my own random thinkings, or, even, that I had other things to do right then. They didn't seem very significant or important, so ignoring them was easier.
At the time, I don't typically consider the source, but I'm learning to pay attention to where those thoughts are coming from. The fact that they just pop into my head, seemingly out of nowhere, is a big clue they are not from my own brain box.
I know that as I respond to these promptings, I am not only helping the Lord give needed aid to others, I am also widening my own conduit to the Lord for greater insight and knowledge. Plus, I am showing Him that He can trust me to listen and act.