In the very first verse of the Book of Mormon we learn that what we are about to read is written by an old man, reviewing his life and choosing out of his life the experiences which taught him that which was most essential in order to achieve the thing he felt was of the most worth.
What is the first thing that Nephi teaches us? We find it in verses 4-5:
4 For it came to pass in the commencement of the first year of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah, (my father, Lehi, having dwelt at Jerusalem in all his days); and in that same year there came many prophets, prophesying unto the people that they must repent, or the great city Jerusalem must be destroyed.
5 Wherefore it came to pass that my father, Lehi, as he went forth prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his people.
In other words, when big “P” Prophets speak, little “p” prophets get on their knees.
This is the first lesson Nephi gives us and as he writes, he repeats the essential, basic nature of this over and over again. The Prophet speaks and prophets get on their knees. This is the fundamental building block on which all other doctrines he teaches rely.
He is teaching us that prayer is essential. That revelation is given to anyone who asks. That truth is taught to those who are honestly seeking. And above all, that even the least among us can know and understand every single thing the Prophet knows and understands…it just conditional on our asking for it and on our ability to receive it when it comes.
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