In 1 Nephi 1:2, Nephi tells us that he makes this record in the language of his fathers, and then in verse 3, he bears us his testimony and stands as a witness that the things upon the plates are true. He says, speaking of the record,
“and I make it according to my knowledge.”
He doesn’t say, “I make it because my father told me to,” or “I make it based on stories my father related.” He says that he makes it according to his knowledge, meaning that he knows, for himself personally, that the things he wrote are true. He was there when the events transpired, he saw what led up to them, what happened afterward, and what the effects were.
In verse 4, we are told that many prophets had come forth to warn the people to repent, lest Jerusalem be destroyed, and in verse 5, we see that Lehi, Nephi’s father, is preparing himself to join in the voice of warning. We read:
“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.”
This verse is very interesting. Lehi knew that the people of Jerusalem were having a hard time listening to the prophets and were becoming violent toward anyone who tried to warn them. He knew he was walking into danger, and so he prayed, but not a wishy-washy prayer. He prayed with all his heart. He was given a difficult task, and he prayed with all his heart to prepare himself for it.
But I think it’s additionally interesting that he didn’t pray for safety or for personal success. He didn’t pray that his preaching would be grand and glorious. Instead, he prayed for his people. He was thinking of them, even knowing that they could be the instruments of causing him great harm. What a marvelous servant Lehi was – going forth without fear, praying for those whom he would teach, for their welfare, without focusing on the possible dangers.
From these three examples – how important is it for us to get our own testimony that the things Nephi wrote on the plates are true, even as he had? What missions have we been given that we should prepare for by earnest, sincere prayer? And who do we need to pray for today, who might turn out to be an enemy, but who needs our prayers anyway?
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