Nephi believed that his prayers were heard and would be answered: For I pray continually for [my people] by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry.2 Nephi 33:3 Jacob counseled his people to "pray unto [God]... Continue Reading →
“Pray Always” – 2 Nephi 32:9
Near the end of his writings, Nephi urged his readers to "pray always, and not faint." He went on to explain: Ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy... Continue Reading →
“Ask in Faith” – Enos 1:15
Many times in the Book of Mormon, we are promised that God will answer our prayers. An essential element of effective prayers is faith—the belief or confidence that God will answer us. The Lord promised Enos, "Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it"... Continue Reading →
“Inquire of the Lord”
The Book of Mormon contains many stories of people taking questions to God in prayer and receiving answers. Here are some examples: Lehi prayed to know where his son Nephi should go to hunt for food for the family (1 Nephi 16:23-26).Jacob prayed to know what he should do about the "wicked practices" he began... Continue Reading →
“I Inquired of the Lord” – Moroni 8:7
When Mormon learned that there was some disputation in the church relating to baptism, he was concerned. When the Savior had visited the American continent, He had emphasized the importance of unity in the performance of baptisms. "Thus shall ye baptize," He had said. "And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have... Continue Reading →
Nourished
I ran my first marathon a little over two weeks ago. I was surprised at how much more preparation was required for a full marathon than for a half. In particular, I had to learn a lot about keeping my body hydrated and nourished while exercising for several hours. I thought of my marathon experience... Continue Reading →
“I Will Show Unto Them Their Weakness” – Ether 12:27
Moroni was painfully aware of his limitations. As he summarized the Jaredite record, he compared himself unfavorably to one of the authors of the Jaredite plates. Moroni worried that his imperfections would cause future readers to reject his writings, and he shared his anxiety with God in prayer: Behold, thou hast not made us mighty... Continue Reading →
“Tongue Cannot Speak the Words Which He Prayed” – 3 Nephi 19:32
On the first day of the Savior's ministry on the American continent following His death and resurrection, He invited the multitude He was with to kneel on the ground. He offered a prayer to His Father, "and the things which he prayed cannot be written, and the multitude did bear record who heard him" (3... Continue Reading →
“Watch and Pray Always” – 3 Nephi 18:18-24
Jesus taught the Nephites and the Lamanites the importance of prayer. "Ye must watch and pray always," He said, "lest ye be tempted by the devil.... Ye must always pray unto the Father in my name" (3 Nephi 18:18-19). He promised that prayer would help them overcome temptation and that Heavenly Father would answer their... Continue Reading →
Assurances, Peace, Faith, and Hope – Alma 58:10-11
After requesting much-needed provisions and reinforcements from the government, and after waiting many months for a response, Helaman's armies finally received an embarrassingly small shipment of food, delivered by a small number of additional troops. Helaman began to worry that he wouldn't even be able to retain control of the cities they had reclaimed (Alma 58:4-9).... Continue Reading →
