3 Nephi 12-143 Nephi 12-14

The Book of Mormon brings clarity and meaning to the The Book of Mormon brings clarity and meaning to the Sermon on the Mount.Sermon on the Mount.

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is the most The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is the most quoted and least understood of all the Saviors teachingsquoted and least understood of all the Saviors teachings!!

Be AttitudesBe Attitudes! ! To be fortunate, to be happy, or to be To be fortunate, to be happy, or to be blessedblessed. .

Webster’s dictionary defines the word as “a state of utmost Webster’s dictionary defines the word as “a state of utmost bliss.”bliss.”

Constitution for a perfect lifeConstitution for a perfect life! (Harold B. Lee)! (Harold B. Lee)

Blue print for perfectionBlue print for perfection! (Harold B. Lee, ! (Harold B. Lee, Decisions for Decisions for Successful Living Successful Living [1973], 55-56).[1973], 55-56).

These verse by verse chapters are the greatest of all These verse by verse chapters are the greatest of all Christian sermons. Christian sermons.

3 Nephi 12-143 Nephi 12-14

In March 1978, a prominent Lutheran minister In March 1978, a prominent Lutheran minister participated in a symposium on the BYU campus. participated in a symposium on the BYU campus.

He accepted the task of comparing the Savior’s sermon He accepted the task of comparing the Savior’s sermon in 3 Nephi with the Sermon on the Mount found in the in 3 Nephi with the Sermon on the Mount found in the book of Matthew. By the tools and procedures of textual book of Matthew. By the tools and procedures of textual criticism, he discovered several interesting differences criticism, he discovered several interesting differences between the two sermons. He gave an astute and between the two sermons. He gave an astute and perceptive analysis. He said that compared to the New perceptive analysis. He said that compared to the New Testament, 3 Nephi is much clearer, the Savior’ Testament, 3 Nephi is much clearer, the Savior’ teachings are the more precise; they are stronger, teachings are the more precise; they are stronger, bolder and offer considerably more information than bolder and offer considerably more information than can be gained from the New Testament. He found also can be gained from the New Testament. He found also that the personality of Jesus is more commanding in 3 that the personality of Jesus is more commanding in 3 Nephi than in the New Testament. He noted that in the Nephi than in the New Testament. He noted that in the New Testament, Jesus speaks as a teacher but in 3 New Testament, Jesus speaks as a teacher but in 3 Nephi he speaks as a God.Nephi he speaks as a God.

As he continued, he tried to discredit the As he continued, he tried to discredit the Book of Mormon by saying that new Book of Mormon by saying that new religions and cults always have an religions and cults always have an insatiable thirst for answers and for insatiable thirst for answers and for knowledge, whereas spiritual maturity knowledge, whereas spiritual maturity brings a more ascetic view. He preferred brings a more ascetic view. He preferred the New testament to 3 Nephi because it the New testament to 3 Nephi because it was not so definitive and allowed him was not so definitive and allowed him more choice of interpretation. He more choice of interpretation. He acknowledged that the New Testament acknowledged that the New Testament was less clear, and less dramatic, but felt was less clear, and less dramatic, but felt that was the beauty of it. It did not seem that was the beauty of it. It did not seem to occur to him that the New Testament to occur to him that the New Testament has suffered at the hands of copyists, has suffered at the hands of copyists, translators, and textual critics and so was translators, and textual critics and so was now only a shadow of its former self.now only a shadow of its former self.

Elder Orson F. WhitneyElder Orson F. Whitney““I lay upon my bed in the little town of Columbia, I lay upon my bed in the little town of Columbia, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I seemed to be in the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I seemed to be in the Garden of Gethsemane, a witness of the Savior’s agony, I Garden of Gethsemane, a witness of the Savior’s agony, I see Him as plainly as I have seen anyone. Standing see Him as plainly as I have seen anyone. Standing behind a tree in the foreground. I beheld Jesus with Peter, behind a tree in the foreground. I beheld Jesus with Peter, James and John as they came through a little wicket gate James and John as they came through a little wicket gate at my right. Leaving the three Apostles there after telling at my right. Leaving the three Apostles there after telling them to kneel and pray, the Son of God passed over to them to kneel and pray, the Son of God passed over to the other side, where he also knelt and prayed. It was the the other side, where he also knelt and prayed. It was the same prayer with which all Bible readers are familiar: ”Oh same prayer with which all Bible readers are familiar: ”Oh my father if it be possible, let this cup pass nevertheless my father if it be possible, let this cup pass nevertheless not as I will but as Thou wilt.”not as I will but as Thou wilt.”

““As He prayed the tears streamed down his face, which As He prayed the tears streamed down his face, which was toward me. I was so moved at the sight that I also was toward me. I was so moved at the sight that I also wept, out of pure sympathy. My whole heart went out to wept, out of pure sympathy. My whole heart went out to Him as I longed for nothing else.”Him as I longed for nothing else.”

Presently He arose and walked to where the Apostles Presently He arose and walked to where the Apostles were kneeling fast asleep! He shook them gently, were kneeling fast asleep! He shook them gently, awoke them and in a tone of tender reproach un-awoke them and in a tone of tender reproach un-tinctured by the least show of anger or impatience tinctured by the least show of anger or impatience asked them plaintively if they could not watch with Him asked them plaintively if they could not watch with Him one hour. There He was with the awful weight of the one hour. There He was with the awful weight of the world’s sin upon his shoulders with the pangs of every world’s sin upon his shoulders with the pangs of every man, women and child shooting through His sensitive man, women and child shooting through His sensitive soul and they could not watch Him one poor hour!” soul and they could not watch Him one poor hour!” “Returning to His place, He offered up the same prayer “Returning to His place, He offered up the same prayer as before: then went back again and found them as before: then went back again and found them sleeping. Again He awoke them, re-admonished them, sleeping. Again He awoke them, re-admonished them, and once more returned and prayed. Three more times and once more returned and prayed. Three more times this occurred until I was perfectly familiar with His this occurred until I was perfectly familiar with His appearance - face, form and movements. He was a appearance - face, form and movements. He was a noble of noble stature and majestic men - noble of noble stature and majestic men - not at all the not at all the weakweak,, effeminate being that some painters have effeminate being that some painters have portrayedportrayed: but the very God that He was and is, as : but the very God that He was and is, as meek and humble as a little child.”meek and humble as a little child.”

““All at once the circumstances seemed to change, the All at once the circumstances seemed to change, the scene remaining just the same. Instead of before it was scene remaining just the same. Instead of before it was after the crucifixion and the Savior with the three after the crucifixion and the Savior with the three Apostles now stood together in a group at my left. Apostles now stood together in a group at my left. They were about to depart and ascend into Heaven. I They were about to depart and ascend into Heaven. I could endure it no longer. I ran from behind the tree, could endure it no longer. I ran from behind the tree, fell at his feet, clasped Him around the knees and fell at his feet, clasped Him around the knees and begged Him to take me with Him.”begged Him to take me with Him.”

I shall never forget the kind and gentle manner in which I shall never forget the kind and gentle manner in which He stopped, raised me up, and embraced me. It was so He stopped, raised me up, and embraced me. It was so vivid, so real. I felt the very warmth of his body, as He vivid, so real. I felt the very warmth of his body, as He held me in His arms and said in the tenderest of tones: held me in His arms and said in the tenderest of tones:

““No my son: these have finished their work: they can No my son: these have finished their work: they can go with me: but you must stay and finish yours.” Still I go with me: but you must stay and finish yours.” Still I clung to Him gazed up into His face for He was taller clung to Him gazed up into His face for He was taller then I was. I besought him fervently: ‘Well, promise me then I was. I besought him fervently: ‘Well, promise me that I will come to you at last.’ Smiling sweetly, He that I will come to you at last.’ Smiling sweetly, He said: ‘said: ‘That will depend entirely upon yourself.’ I awoke .’ I awoke with a sob in my throat, and it was morning” (In the with a sob in my throat, and it was morning” (In the Bryant S. HinckleyBryant S. Hinckley, the Faith of Our Pioneer Fathers, , the Faith of Our Pioneer Fathers, 211-12).211-12).

3 Nephi 12:1;15-123 Nephi 12:1;15-12

Were the twelve Nephite Were the twelve Nephite leaders called to be leaders called to be ApostlesApostles??

““While in every instance the While in every instance the Nephite twelve are spoken of as Nephite twelve are spoken of as disciples, the fact remains that disciples, the fact remains that they had been endowed with they had been endowed with divine authority to be “divine authority to be “special special witnesseswitnesses” for Christ among their ” for Christ among their own people. own people. Therefore , they Therefore , they were…Apostleswere…Apostles” (Joseph Fielding ” (Joseph Fielding Smith,Smith, Answers to Gospel Answers to Gospel Questions, Questions, 1:122).1:122).

President Harold B. Lee President Harold B. Lee taught that the Beatitudes taught that the Beatitudes embody the “constitution for embody the “constitution for a perfect life”: “a perfect life”: “Four of Four of them have to do with our them have to do with our individual selvesindividual selves,” and ,” and four four “have to do with man’s “have to do with man’s social relations with otherssocial relations with others” ” ((Decisions for Successful Decisions for Successful Living Living [1973], 57, 60).[1973], 57, 60).

3 Nephi 12:5 3 Nephi 12:5

What relationship is there between “meek” and What relationship is there between “meek” and “weak”?“weak”?

If the Lord was meek and lowly and humble, then to If the Lord was meek and lowly and humble, then to become humble one must do what he did in boldly become humble one must do what he did in boldly denouncing evil, bravely advancing righteous works, denouncing evil, bravely advancing righteous works, courageously meeting every problem, becoming the courageously meeting every problem, becoming the master of himself and the situations about him and master of himself and the situations about him and being near oblivious to personal credit.being near oblivious to personal credit.

““How does one get humble? (2 Corinthians 7:10)How does one get humble? (2 Corinthians 7:10)

To me, one must constantly be reminded of his To me, one must constantly be reminded of his dependence… on the Lord. How does one remind one’s dependence… on the Lord. How does one remind one’s self? By real, constant, worshipful, grateful prayer” self? By real, constant, worshipful, grateful prayer” (Spencer W. Kimball, 232-33).(Spencer W. Kimball, 232-33).

3 Nephi 12:133 Nephi 12:13

Who is “the salt of the earthWho is “the salt of the earth?”?”

The great value of salt is seen in its use The great value of salt is seen in its use over time. Salt has been used as an over time. Salt has been used as an antiseptic and cleanser, food flavoring, food antiseptic and cleanser, food flavoring, food preservative, religious offering, and even preservative, religious offering, and even currency. “When men are called unto mine currency. “When men are called unto mine everlasting gospel, and covenant with an everlasting gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant, they are accounted everlasting covenant, they are accounted as the salt of the earth and the savor of as the salt of the earth and the savor of men; they are called to be savor of men; men; they are called to be savor of men; therefore, if that salt of the earth loses its therefore, if that salt of the earth loses its savor, behold, it is thenceforth good for savor, behold, it is thenceforth good for nothing only to be cast and trodden under nothing only to be cast and trodden under the feet of men” (D&C 101:39-40).the feet of men” (D&C 101:39-40).

3 Nephi 12:14-163 Nephi 12:14-16 “Let Your Light So “Let Your Light So Shine”Shine”

How dangerous is a fallen lighthouse! How dangerous is a fallen lighthouse! How devastating is a lighthouse whose How devastating is a lighthouse whose light has failed!light has failed!

3 Nephi 12:17-19, 46-47; 15:2-93 Nephi 12:17-19, 46-47; 15:2-9

When did Jesus fulfill the law of MosesWhen did Jesus fulfill the law of Moses??

““The law of Moses…continued until the The law of Moses…continued until the resurrection of Jesus Christ, when this resurrection of Jesus Christ, when this carnal law was fulfilled it was replaced by carnal law was fulfilled it was replaced by the fullness of the gospel” (Joseph Fielding the fullness of the gospel” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, Doctrines of Salvation, 3:84).3:84).

3 Nephi 12:22

What is the meaning of the word “Raca?”

“In the original Semite tongue raca means vain or empty. Thus, the Savior is telling us not to call other people by such derogatory titles” (Daniel H. Ludlow, Companion, 265; emphasis in original).

“Profane and vulgar epithets and expressions --- for such, in the Jewish culture, were the nature of the words here recited (Raca) --- when hurled at our fellowmen lead to damnation… Profane, vulgar, contemptuous, and unholy expressions degrade their author more than they taint the soul of the hearer” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mortal Messiah, 2:136).

What is the meaning of “thou fool?”

(Psalms 14:1, J.S.T. Psalms 14:1-7)

3 Nephi 12:303 Nephi 12:30 ““Take Up Your Take Up Your CrossCross””

Elder Maxwell explained the phrase “take up your Elder Maxwell explained the phrase “take up your cross.”cross.”

The daily taking up of the cross means daily denying The daily taking up of the cross means daily denying ourselves the appetites of the flesh.ourselves the appetites of the flesh.

If we entertain temptations, soon they begin If we entertain temptations, soon they begin entertaining us! Turning these unwanted lodgers away entertaining us! Turning these unwanted lodgers away at the doorstep of the mind is one way of giving “no at the doorstep of the mind is one way of giving “no heed.” Besides, these would be lodgers are actually heed.” Besides, these would be lodgers are actually barbarians who, if admitted, can be evicted only with barbarians who, if admitted, can be evicted only with great trauma (C.R., Apr. 1987, 88).great trauma (C.R., Apr. 1987, 88).

The Lord wants us to be The Lord wants us to be diligent but prudent. We are diligent but prudent. We are not to give our cross a not to give our cross a hurried heft merely to see if hurried heft merely to see if we can lift it and then put it we can lift it and then put it down --- we are to carry if for down --- we are to carry if for the balance of our lives (Neal the balance of our lives (Neal A. Maxwell, A. Maxwell, Not Withstanding Not Withstanding My WeaknessMy Weakness, 4)., 4).

3 Nephi 12:31-323 Nephi 12:31-32

““Whoso Shall Merry Her Who Is Divorced Whoso Shall Merry Her Who Is Divorced Committeth Adultery”Committeth Adultery”

Divorces are permitted in the Church for Divorces are permitted in the Church for a number of reasons other than sexual a number of reasons other than sexual immorality, and divorced persons are immorality, and divorced persons are permitted to marry again and enjoy all of permitted to marry again and enjoy all of the blessings of the gospel” (the blessings of the gospel” (Doctrinal Doctrinal New Testament CommentaryNew Testament Commentary, 1:548-49)., 1:548-49).

It would appear that one of It would appear that one of the purposes of the Savior’s the purposes of the Savior’s words was not to condemn words was not to condemn those who marry divorced those who marry divorced people, but to teach the people, but to teach the people not to turn to people not to turn to divorce as the solution to divorce as the solution to all the minor irritations that all the minor irritations that come up in marriage.come up in marriage.

3 Nephi 12:483 Nephi 12:48

““If a man gets a fullness of the If a man gets a fullness of the priesthood of God he has to get it priesthood of God he has to get it in the same way that Jesus Christ in the same way that Jesus Christ obtained it, and that was by obtained it, and that was by keeping keeping allall the commandments the commandments and obeying all the ordinances of and obeying all the ordinances of the house of the Lord” (Joseph the house of the Lord” (Joseph Smith, Smith, TeachingsTeachings, 308)., 308).

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith offers this counsel:Elder Joseph Fielding Smith offers this counsel:

““Salvation does not come all at once; we are commanded Salvation does not come all at once; we are commanded to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect. It to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect. It will take us ages to accomplish this end, for there will be will take us ages to accomplish this end, for there will be greater progress beyond the grave, and it will be there greater progress beyond the grave, and it will be there that the faithful will overcome all things, and receive all that the faithful will overcome all things, and receive all things, even the fullness of the Father’s glory.things, even the fullness of the Father’s glory.

““I believe the Lord meant just what he said: that we I believe the Lord meant just what he said: that we should be perfect, as our Father in heaven is perfect. should be perfect, as our Father in heaven is perfect. That will not come all at once, but line upon line, and That will not come all at once, but line upon line, and precept upon precept, example upon example, and even precept upon precept, example upon example, and even then not as long as we live in this mortal life, for we will then not as long as we live in this mortal life, for we will have to go even beyond the grave before we reach that have to go even beyond the grave before we reach that perfection and shall be like God” (perfection and shall be like God” (Doctrines of SalvationDoctrines of Salvation, , comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954-56], 2:18-19Bookcraft, 1954-56], 2:18-19

I am also convinced of the fact that the I am also convinced of the fact that the speed with which we head along the speed with which we head along the straight and narrow path isn’t as straight and narrow path isn’t as important as the direction in which we important as the direction in which we are traveling. That direction, if it is are traveling. That direction, if it is leading toward eternal goals, is the all-leading toward eternal goals, is the all-important factor!important factor!

Worthiness is a process, and perfection is Worthiness is a process, and perfection is an eternal trek. We can be worthy to an eternal trek. We can be worthy to enjoy certain privileges without being enjoy certain privileges without being perfect.perfect.

“I would that ye should be perfect”

“In both His Old and New World ministries, the Savior commanded, ‘Be ye therefore perfect.’ A footnote explains that the Greek word translated as perfect means ‘complete, finished, fully developed.’ Our Heavenly Father wants us to use this mortal probation to ‘fully develop’ ourselves, to make the most of our talents and abilities” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, May 1998, 14).

Of course no one is wholly perfect, but we find some who are a long way up the ladder (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 165).

““If Joseph Smith translated If Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon from the Book of Mormon from the Golden Plates the Golden Plates thousands of years old, how thousands of years old, how come they used the come they used the identical language of the identical language of the King James Version, which King James Version, which was written in 1611was written in 1611?”?”

Huge Nibley answered that question in the following Huge Nibley answered that question in the following mannermanner: :

““As to the passage lifted bodily from the King James As to the passage lifted bodily from the King James Version, “we first ask, ‘How else does one quote scripture if Version, “we first ask, ‘How else does one quote scripture if not bodily?” ‘And why should anyone quoting the Bible to not bodily?” ‘And why should anyone quoting the Bible to American readers of 1830 not follow the only version of the American readers of 1830 not follow the only version of the Bible known to them?' Bible known to them?'

““Actually the Bible passages quoted in the Book of Mormon Actually the Bible passages quoted in the Book of Mormon often differ from the King James Version, but where the often differ from the King James Version, but where the latter is correct there is every reason why it should be latter is correct there is every reason why it should be followed. When Jesus and the Apostles and for that matter followed. When Jesus and the Apostles and for that matter the Angel Gabriel quote the Scriptures in the New the Angel Gabriel quote the Scriptures in the New Testament do they recite from some mysterious Urtext? Testament do they recite from some mysterious Urtext?

Do they quote the prophets of old in the ultimate original? Do they quote the prophets of old in the ultimate original? Or do they give their own inspired translations? No, they do Or do they give their own inspired translations? No, they do not. They quote the Septuagint, a Greek version of the Old not. They quote the Septuagint, a Greek version of the Old Testament prepared in the 3Testament prepared in the 3rdrd Century B.C. Why so? Century B.C. Why so? Because that happened to be the received standard version Because that happened to be the received standard version of the Bible accepted by the readers of the Greek New of the Bible accepted by the readers of the Greek New Testament.Testament.

““When ‘holy men of God’ quote the scriptures it is always When ‘holy men of God’ quote the scriptures it is always the received standard version of the people they are the received standard version of the people they are addressing. addressing.

““We do not claim that the King James Version (or) the We do not claim that the King James Version (or) the Septuagint are the original scriptures – in fact nobody on Septuagint are the original scriptures – in fact nobody on earth today knows where the original scriptures are or earth today knows where the original scriptures are or what they say. Inspired men have in every age been what they say. Inspired men have in every age been content to accept the received version of the people content to accept the received version of the people among whom they labored with the Spirit giving among whom they labored with the Spirit giving correction where correction where correction was correction where correction where correction was necessary.necessary.

““Since the Book of Mormon is a translation,… into English Since the Book of Mormon is a translation,… into English for English - speaking people whose fathers for for English - speaking people whose fathers for generations had known no other scriptures but the generations had known no other scriptures but the standard English Bible, it would be both pointless and standard English Bible, it would be both pointless and confusing to present the scriptures to them in any other confusing to present the scriptures to them in any other form so far as their teachings were correct” (Literary form so far as their teachings were correct” (Literary Style Used in the Book of Mormon Insured Accurate Style Used in the Book of Mormon Insured Accurate TranslationTranslation, Church News, , Church News, 29 July 1961, 10).29 July 1961, 10).

“I am… convinced of the fact that the speed with which we head along the straight and narrow path isn’t as important as the direction in which we are traveling” (Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, May 1989, 21).

Notice the difference in this verse and Matthew 5:48. Jesus did not include himself as perfect until after he was resurrected. “Begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them… It will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave” (Joseph Smith, Teachings, 348).

“As members of the Church, if we chart a course leading to eternal life; if we begin the process of spiritual rebirth, and are going in the right direction; if we chart a course sanctifying our souls, and degree by degree are going in that direction; and if we chart a course of becoming perfect, and, step by step and phase by phase, are perfecting our souls by overcoming the world, then it is absolutely guaranteed there is no question whatever about it --- we shall gain eternal life. Even though we have spiritual rebirth ahead of us, perfection ahead of us, the full degree of sanctification ahead of us, if we chart a course and follow it to the best of our ability in this life, then when we go out of this life we’ll continue in exactly that same course” (Bruce R. McConkie, Sermon and Writings, 54). (Moroni 10:32-33)

It was a heavenly mandate to rise up to our full It was a heavenly mandate to rise up to our full potential and become like God our Father. C.S. potential and become like God our Father. C.S. Lewis, an articulate advocate of this simple but Lewis, an articulate advocate of this simple but glorious truth, wrote:glorious truth, wrote:

““The command ‘Be ye perfect’ is not idealistic gas. The command ‘Be ye perfect’ is not idealistic gas. Nor is it a command to do the impossible. He is Nor is it a command to do the impossible. He is going to make us into creatures that can command. going to make us into creatures that can command. He said (in the Bible) that we were ‘gods’ and He is He said (in the Bible) that we were ‘gods’ and He is going to make good His words….The process will going to make good His words….The process will be long and in parts very painful; but that is what be long and in parts very painful; but that is what we are in for. Nothing less. He meant what he we are in for. Nothing less. He meant what he said….Those who put themselves in His hands will said….Those who put themselves in His hands will become perfect, as He is perfect---perfect in love, become perfect, as He is perfect---perfect in love, wisdom, joy, beauty, and immortality” (Lewis, wisdom, joy, beauty, and immortality” (Lewis, Mere Mere ChristianityChristianity, 176-77)., 176-77).

3 Nephi 13:5-13

How should we pray?

“Our prayers should be simple, direct, and sincere.“…I am sure that our Heavenly Father, who loves all of his children, hears and answers all prayers, however phrased. If he is offended in connection with prayers, it is likely to be by their absence, not their phraseology” (Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, May 1993, 17).

The Lord’s PrayerThe Lord’s Prayer3 Nephi 13:9-133 Nephi 13:9-13

TheLord'sPrayer_1.avi

3 Nephi 13:34

“Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof”

“The men and women, who desire to obtain seats in the celestial kingdom, will find that they must battle with the enemy of all righteousness every day” (Brigham Young, JD, 11:15).

3 Nephi 11-203 Nephi 11-20

““Pray alwaysPray always”” Learning to pray as Jesus Learning to pray as Jesus prayedprayed!!

Speaking to an Area Conference in Taiwan in 1975, Speaking to an Area Conference in Taiwan in 1975, President Marion G. Romney stated that “President Marion G. Romney stated that “there isn’t any there isn’t any commandment from the Lord that is repeated more commandment from the Lord that is repeated more often than the commandment to pray to the Lordoften than the commandment to pray to the Lord.”.”

Nowhere in all the Book of Mormon is the subject of Nowhere in all the Book of Mormon is the subject of prayer taught and emphasized in such concentrated prayer taught and emphasized in such concentrated fashion as it is in 3 Nephi 11-20fashion as it is in 3 Nephi 11-20, wherein approximately , wherein approximately sixty versessixty verses are dedicated to the are dedicated to the subject of prayersubject of prayer and some and some eleven prayers are offeredeleven prayers are offered..

Definitions of PrayerDefinitions of Prayer

In that light is to be found sure answers to all In that light is to be found sure answers to all our needsour needs” (Romney, “” (Romney, “Prayer and RevelationPrayer and Revelation” ” 50). 50).

Further, Further, prayer is the passport to spiritual prayer is the passport to spiritual powerpower” (Kimball 115). ” (Kimball 115). To live without prayer is To live without prayer is to live a mere animal existenceto live a mere animal existence. .

It is to leave the best part of our natures in a It is to leave the best part of our natures in a starving condition; for without prayer the spirit starving condition; for without prayer the spirit is starved, and men dwindle in their feelings is starved, and men dwindle in their feelings and die in their faithand die in their faith” (Cannon 2:170).” (Cannon 2:170).

Prayer is the goal of an individual to place him or Prayer is the goal of an individual to place him or herself in spiritual harmony with God the Father and herself in spiritual harmony with God the Father and Creator of all. According to Latter-day prophets and Creator of all. According to Latter-day prophets and apostles, prayer consist of much more than directing apostles, prayer consist of much more than directing “mere words” or thoughts towards deity, but “mere words” or thoughts towards deity, but represents “represents “the pulsation of a yearning, loving heart the pulsation of a yearning, loving heart in tune with the Infinitein tune with the Infinite.” .” Prayer is “a message of the Prayer is “a message of the soul sent directly to a loving Father…(it is) spirit soul sent directly to a loving Father…(it is) spirit vibrationvibration” (McKay 308). ” (McKay 308).

Prayer is having “a consciousness that there is Prayer is having “a consciousness that there is something within us which is divine, which is part of the something within us which is divine, which is part of the Infinite, which is the offspring of God, and until we can Infinite, which is the offspring of God, and until we can fill that harmony with the Infinite, we have not sensed fill that harmony with the Infinite, we have not sensed the power of prayer” (302). the power of prayer” (302).

Prayer, accompanied by works, “is the invisible switch Prayer, accompanied by works, “is the invisible switch to tune us with the infinite” (Kimball 62), it is placing to tune us with the infinite” (Kimball 62), it is placing ourselves “in harmony with divine forces” (Widtsoe, ourselves “in harmony with divine forces” (Widtsoe, ““The Articles of FaithThe Articles of Faith” 288), it is attuning ourselves ” 288), it is attuning ourselves “with the spirit or light which ‘proceedeth forth from the “with the spirit or light which ‘proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space’ (D&C presence of God to fill the immensity of space’ (D&C 88:12). 88:12).

While using appropriate prayer pronouns, (thy, While using appropriate prayer pronouns, (thy, thee, thou, thine) individuals should converse thee, thou, thine) individuals should converse with Heavenly Father as they converse with with Heavenly Father as they converse with friends and family members. friends and family members.

Joseph Smith’s admonition regarding prayer is Joseph Smith’s admonition regarding prayer is helpful: “be plain and simple and ask for what helpful: “be plain and simple and ask for what you want, just like you would go to a neighbor you want, just like you would go to a neighbor and say, I want to borrow a horse and go to the and say, I want to borrow a horse and go to the mill” (quoted in mill” (quoted in “Recollection” “Recollection” 151-52). 151-52).

The Prophet Joseph Smith provided guidance in The Prophet Joseph Smith provided guidance in this area, teaching us that this area, teaching us that we we must pray three must pray three times a daytimes a day.. “You must make yourselves “You must make yourselves acquainted with those men who like Daniel acquainted with those men who like Daniel prayed three times a day toward the House of prayed three times a day toward the House of Lord” (Teachings of Joseph Smith, Lord” (Teachings of Joseph Smith, 161). 161).

(Daniel 6:10, Alma 34:21)(Daniel 6:10, Alma 34:21)

There is evidence that Joseph Smith and his family There is evidence that Joseph Smith and his family practiced this teaching. practiced this teaching.

Elisa R. Snow recorded that “three times a day he had Elisa R. Snow recorded that “three times a day he had family worship; and these precious seasons of sacred family worship; and these precious seasons of sacred household service truly seemed a foretaste of celestial household service truly seemed a foretaste of celestial happiness” (quoted in happiness” (quoted in PaynePayne, 65). , 65).

Hyrum Smith also learned the principle regarding daily Hyrum Smith also learned the principle regarding daily prayers. According to Eliza Ann Carter, “When I was prayers. According to Eliza Ann Carter, “When I was living at Hyrum Smith’s I thought that he was the best living at Hyrum Smith’s I thought that he was the best man I ever saw, he was so kind to his family and he man I ever saw, he was so kind to his family and he prayed his family three times a day" (Snow, 134).prayed his family three times a day" (Snow, 134).

Family prayers are perhaps as essential to one’s spiritual Family prayers are perhaps as essential to one’s spiritual progress during mortality as are individual prayers . progress during mortality as are individual prayers .

President Hinckley advances several thoughts on the President Hinckley advances several thoughts on the matter: matter:

I know of no single practice that will have a I know of no single practice that will have a more salutary effect upon your lives than the more salutary effect upon your lives than the practice of kneeling together as you begin and practice of kneeling together as you begin and close each day. Somehow the little storms that close each day. Somehow the little storms that seem to afflict every marriage are dissipated seem to afflict every marriage are dissipated when, kneeling before the Lord, you thank him when, kneeling before the Lord, you thank him for one another, in the presence of one another, for one another, in the presence of one another, and then together invoke his blessings upon and then together invoke his blessings upon your lives, your home, your loved ones, and your lives, your home, your loved ones, and your dreams.your dreams.

God then will be your partner, and your daily God then will be your partner, and your daily conversations with him will bring peace into conversations with him will bring peace into your hearts and a joy into your lives that can your hearts and a joy into your lives that can come forth from no other source. Your come forth from no other source. Your companionship will sweeten through the years; companionship will sweeten through the years; your love will strengthen. Your appreciation for your love will strengthen. Your appreciation for one another will grow.one another will grow.

3 Nephi 14:1-23 Nephi 14:1-2 ““JudgingJudging””

The key is to understand that there are two kinds of The key is to understand that there are two kinds of judging, final judgments, which we are forbidden to judging, final judgments, which we are forbidden to make, and intermediate judgments, which we are make, and intermediate judgments, which we are directed to make, but upon principles…directed to make, but upon principles…

““FirstFirst, a righteous judgment, by definition, be , a righteous judgment, by definition, be intermediate…intermediate…

““SecondSecond, a righteous judgment will be guided by the , a righteous judgment will be guided by the Spirit of the Lord, not by anger, revenge, jealousy, or Spirit of the Lord, not by anger, revenge, jealousy, or self-interest….self-interest….

““ThirdThird, to be righteous, an intermediate judgment must , to be righteous, an intermediate judgment must be within our stewardship….be within our stewardship….

““FourthFourth, we should, if possible, refrain from judging until , we should, if possible, refrain from judging until we have adequate knowledge of the facts” (“’Judge Not’ we have adequate knowledge of the facts” (“’Judge Not’ and Judging,” and Judging,” EnsignEnsign, Aug. 1999, 7, 9-10)., Aug. 1999, 7, 9-10).