Image from the video “Enos Prays Mightily | Enos 1“
Nephi commanded his descendants to write about the spiritual experiences of his people. (See Jacob 1:1-4.) With varying degrees of specificity, eight subsequent authors contributed to the written record, with several of them specifically mentioning their duty to fulfill Nephi’s commandment. (See Jacob 1:8, Jarom 1:1, 15, Omni 1:3, 9.)
One of those authors, Nephi’s nephew Enos, related his personal conversion story. He spoke of praying all day long in the wilderness for the welfare of his soul. He subsequently offered prayers for his people, the Nephites, and for their enemies, the Lamanites. All of his prayers were answered. (See Enos 1:1-18.)
After including all of these writings in his book, Mormon wrote a brief editorial note explaining their inclusion. He said that these writings pleased him, and that he had included them even though they were redundant with the history he had already written. He didn’t understand why that was a good idea, but he trusted that God, who knows all things, had inspired him to include these words for a “wise purpose” (Words of Mormon 1:1-7).
Here are some highlights from these chapters, with links to relevant blog posts:
Outline
- Enos – The Wrestle Before God – Enos prayed all day for his own soul, for his people, and for his enemies.
- Jarom – “The Word of the Lord Was Verified” – Jarom didn’t think he had anything to add, but he shared an update and a brief testimony to fulfill Nephi’s commandment.
- Omni – “Offer Your Whole Souls” – Omni, Amaron, Chemish, Abinadom, and Amaleki each added a few words to Nephi’s plates. Amaleki admonished us to come unto Christ.
- Words of Mormon – “For a Wise Purpose” – Mormon explained why he had included the spiritual record of Nephi and his descendants in his book.
Key Themes
- Some blessings only come after we exercise faith. Enos prayed “all the day long…, and when the night came, [he] did still raise [his] voice high that it reached the heavens” (Enos 1:4).
- Written records are important, particularly spiritual records.
- A consistent practice of fasting and prayer can help us over time to receive the redemptive and saving power of Jesus Christ.
- God knows all things including the future. When we follow His instructions, He can use our efforts to accomplish His work.
- A great leader can champion truth and establish peace. Leadership requires effort and patience.
Connections
- The apostle Paul wrote that parents should bring their children up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Enos used that same phrase to describe the way he was raised. (See Enos 1:1.)
- The people who heard Peter preach on the day of Pentacost were “pricked in their heart” (Acts 2:37-38). Jarom used the same expression to describe the work of prophets, priests, and teachers among his people. (See Jarom 1:12.)
Applications
- Parents: Be persistent in teaching true principles. You never know when the words you often taught will “[sink] deep into [their hearts].”
- Pray for the people around you, including your enemies. Salvation is both an individual and a collective endeavor.
- Be grateful for the gentle reproofs (“pricks“) that you receive from the scriptures, from church leaders, and from the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
Recommended Posts
Blog Posts: April 16-21
The Joy of the Saints
Enos prayed all day long because of his father’s words about “the joy of the saints.” He must have detected a gap between that description and his own experience. God created us to be joyful, and His gospel can bring the greatest happiness into our lives.
“The Words Which I Had Often Heard”
Nephi and Jacob taught the next generation by speaking frequently of Christ. Enos tells us that these words eventually sunk in, but the process took some time. We need to keep teaching, even when we don’t see the results we hoped for right away.
The Plan of Salvation
God has a fabulous plan for us. Book of Mormon prophets call it by various titles, including the plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, and the plan of salvation. As Patrick Kearon observed, these titles remind us that God intends to save us.
Amaleki
Amaleki’s father knew “of no revelation.” How did Amaleki come to write such a powerful testimony? He had no children, and his brother was gone. Was he alone? Like Amaleki, we can contribute meaningfully, regardless of our background and circumstances.
Amaleki and Moroni
Amaleki’s admonition to his future readers is echoed by Moroni at the end of the Book of Mormon. Both prophets emphasized the importance of believing in God’s gifts, in committing fully to Him, and in coming to Christ in order to receive His saving power.
“The Workings of the Spirit of the Lord”
Mormon explains the inclusion of the small plates by saying that he was following “the workings of the Spirit of the Lord.” The Spirit helps us contribute to a work bigger than ourselves, and it simultaneously works within us to make us better.
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