As I was studying the Book of Mormon, I came across this scripture in 2 Nephi 9. This passage really struck me because I have been pondering the importance of three certain principles separately, and then I read this verse in the Book of Mormon that talked about them together. This scripture reads, “Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice” (2 Nephi 9:52). The three words I want to highlight in this verse are: remember, pray, and give thanks. All of these things are essential to be able to do as the last line says, to “let your hearts rejoice,” and each principle strengthens and builds upon the other.
Remember the words of the Lord by studying the scriptures.
The first, remembering the words of your God—and particularly those found in scripture—is critical to our salvation. It is only when we remember that we can have the Holy Ghost with us, to remain free from the temptation of pride, and to be able to use the divine and infinite power of the atonement to repent of our sins. We have to be able to remember the Lord in order to be grateful for the blessings He has given us and to humbly kneel in prayer.
Secondly, the more we pray with sincerity of heart, the more we will be able to remember the words of the Lord and have the strength to resist temptation. Our capacity to see the hand of the Lord guiding and blessing our lives in greater abundance will increase.
Thirdly, gratitude is probably the most simple of these principles to do, and yet so powerful if it is practiced. It is literally one of the few measurable things that can change a person’s life. Remembering to be grateful is an agent to gratitude; forgetfulness is an obstacle to it. Someone I admire once said, “To live with gratitude forever in our hearts is to touch heaven.” I know this is true because I have seen how being grateful not only changes myself, but positively affects another’s life, especially those who we seek for an increase of love towards.
Through prayer we can express our gratitude and come closer to our Savior.
Remembering the words of the Lord, praying continually, and giving thanks keeps us from being tempted by pride, which has been said to be the “universal sin,” and a most unforgiving one. If we can resist being prideful, or hardhearted, we will be able to let the Lord become the captain of our lives. We will be humble and submissive enough to follow His direction and keep His commands. Thus, miracles and blessings will be given to us from our diligence and obedience to observing these three principles. Our hearts literally will rejoice, for we will become more and more like our Savior Jesus Christ as we daily seek to do His will, by remembering Him, praying and counseling with Him, and giving thanks to Him.
This article was written by Karina H., a student at Brigham Young University and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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