Prayer and Action

Mosiah 9

Zeniff begins his account as he leads a group from Zarahemla to possess the land of Lehi-Nephi. The Lamanite king grants them permission to live there with the intent to take them captive. War ensues.

It would seem to me to be a chapter on the value of prayer. First Zeniff claims they were negligent in this commandment – to pray. He repents and is assisted by the Lord in protecting his people after they have built up the city of Lehi-Nephi. What changed? V17 says they were “ . . . awakened to a remembrance of the deliverance of our fathers.” The next verse goes on to say “. . .God did hear our cries and did answer our prayers. . .”

Is it that simple? It was for me. As soon as I reached out to the Lord and asked for His help in getting me out of the awful mess I had created, I saw miracle after miracle. This happened in putting me in the right place to avoid confrontation, it happened in unexpected phone calls, and visits from people not likely before to visit me. I began to wax strong in the gospel until I had the courage to do what was necessary to regain my freedom. Were there casualties? Most certainly. I feel my daughter was caught in the cross fire of my conflicts. But after years of her being in bondage, she has had the same courage to pull herself out and is enjoying the blessings of the gospel in her life.

Heavenly Father is true to his promise. If we will but turn to him in our extremities and remember him on a daily basis, he will bless us beyond our wildest imaginations. It may not be exactly as we are praying for. It will probably exceed our expectations. Sincere, heart-felt prayer is critical to our joy in this life. Of course, when we receive impressions as a result of our prayers, it is our responsibility to follow through on those impressions.