Esther asked her people to fast with her as she faced a difficult challenge. The book of Esther doesn't mention prayer, but the Book of Mormon makes clear that fasting is intended to accompany prayer. The relationship between fasting and prayer is unmistakable in the Book of Mormon.
These Sought Their Register
Ezra and Nehemiah describe the use of written registers to determine who was authorized to perform temple duties. The Book of Mormon expands this practice, recording names of people who were willing to keep God's commandments. Alma connected those records with heavenly ones, urging people to ensure their names are in the book of life.
No Shepherd
Moses used the metaphor of shepherdless sheep as he pleaded with God to call a successor to lead Israel. Subsequent prophets, and the Savior Himself, used the same metaphor to lament the absence or negligence of leaders. But Alma points out that sheep can be shepherdless by choice, if they refuse to hear their shepherd.
The Musician King
King David expressed his love for God through music. Book of Mormon prophets also emphasized worship through music. Alma associated conversion with "[singing] redeeming love." Singing requires us to overcome our self-consciousness and prioritize our love for God over our concern for what others maythink.
Unleavened
Jewish families prepare for Passover by carefully eliminating all leaven from their homes. Jesus and Paul taught that leaven is representative of impurities in our souls. Thoughts and feelings which "puff us up" make us less holy, less prepared to stand in God's presence and receive His grace.
Alma: Receiving God’s Image
Alma spoke of the image of God as a gift which we must choose to receive. Just as his father was saved by trusting God and being changed by Him, we can think of our discipleship as a process of creation, a journey of gradually receiving the image of God promised in Genesis 1:27.
Shepherds: Keeping Watch
Why did an angel announce the Savior's birth to shepherds? They were alert and vigilant. They were willing to follow instructions immediately. And they enthusiastically shared the good news. We can follow their example of receptiveness, responsiveness, and joyful testimony.
“Calm as a Summer’s Morning”
Paul, Moroni, and Joseph Smith faced death with serenity, hope, and confidence in Christ. Their examples invite us to see the Final Judgment as a joyful and triumphant reunion with God, not as an event to be feared.
Becoming and Remaining Pure in Heart
When are hearts are pure, we produce good fruit, we feel God's love, and we become prepared to meet Him. We become more pure by eliminating contaminants like pride and envy and by striving to live in accordance with God's will.
Seeing the Face of God
The first verse of Doctrine and Covenants 93 lays out a simple formula: Those who follow Christ will come to know Him. He promises that we will "see [His] face and know that [He is]," which implies far more than being in His presence. It means that we will understand and recognize Him.