3 Nephi 17-19: “Behold My Joy Is Full” (September 28-October 11)

During the Savior’s ministry on the American continent, He taught the people, but He also served them in other ways, including:

He also gave His twelve disciples some time to teach and to baptize before His return on the second day (3 Nephi 19:4-14).

Here are some principles I have learned from studying this portion of the Savior’s ministry:

We follow the Savior’s example by serving others in an active, practical way: What Does It Mean to Minister?
We should focus on individuals, learn to respond to their verbal and non-verbal messages, find ways to relieve their suffering, and empower them to teach and serve effectively: What Can I Learn from Jesus Christ’s Ministry on the American Continent?
Even if we can’t see them, angels are nearby, providing guidance, encouragement, and support: What Is the Ministering of Angels?
The Savior feels compassion and empathy deeply and intensely: What Are “Bowels of Mercy?”
We need to pay attention to the people around us, see them as they really are, and not take them for granted: Behold Your Little Ones – 3 Nephi 17:23.

Our prayers need not be limited to words alone: The Things Which He Prayed Cannot Be Written – 3 Nephi 17:15-17
Leave space in your prayers to listen and to feel: They Did Not Multiply Many Words – 3 Nephi 19:24
Family prayer can be a unifying and spiritually uplifting experience: What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Family Prayer?
We should be vigilant—aware of the risks and the dangers we face—and ask God to help us with those risks and dangers: What Does It Mean to “Watch and Pray?”
Follow the guidance of the Spirit as you pray, and strive to align your will with the will of the Savior: Why Did the Disciples Pray to Jesus in 3 Nephi 19?
Some prayers are more formal than others. Those formal prayers can teach us to align our will more closely with the will of God: Why Are Some Prayers Fixed (the Sacrament Prayers, for Example) in Contrast to Our Normal Prayers?

Partaking of the sacrament frequently helps us remember the Savior and receive the Holy Ghost: What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Sacrament?
The sacrament prayers consist of a petition, a statement of purpose, and a set of promises: What Can We Learn from the Sacrament Prayers?
Participating fully in the sacrament can satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst and lead us toward eternal life: What Does It Mean to Eat and Drink the Bread and Water to Our Souls?
Most of the words in the sacrament prayers come directly from the instructions the Savior gave when He introduced the sacrament to the Nephites and the Lamanites: Where Did the Sacrament Prayers Come From?
Prepare to receive the sacrament by examining yourself, contemplating your own spiritual progress, and repenting as needed: How Do I Know If I’m Worthy to Take the Sacrament?

It’s important to prioritize people over schedules and to-do lists: Bring Them Hither – 3 Nephi 17:1-7
Be responsive to the needs of the people around you, even if it means adjusting your schedule: How Can I Manage Time More Effectively?

Remember that learning is an active process. A good teacher helps the students fulfill their role in the learning process: Prepare Your Minds – 3 Nephi 17:1-3
Take time to think deeply about the gospel and follow questions wherever they lead with a willing mind: What Does It Mean to Ponder?

Listen with an open mind, and ask God for additional understanding: How Can I Prepare to Hear the Words of Prophets?
Review what you learn, take time to fully understand, and fulfill assignments you receive: What Should I Do After I Hear the Words of Prophets?

Jesus can heal all of our wounds: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. We need to exercise faith in Him, ask Him to heal us, and then patiently trust that it will happen: How Can I Be Healed?