Seminary
3 Nephi 18:15–39; 19:19–29: “Pray Always”

“3 Nephi 18:15–39; 19:19–29: ‘Pray Always,’” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“3 Nephi 18:15–39; 19:19–29,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

3 Nephi 18:15–39; 19:19–29

“Pray Always”

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Jesus Christ praying in the Americas

Many people pray every day. Some prayers can be more meaningful than others. Jesus Christ not only taught His followers to “always pray unto the Father” (3 Nephi 18:19), but He also showed them how to pray. This lesson can help you follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ to pray always and to have more meaningful prayers.

Examples

Think of a talent, skill, or attribute you would like to develop. Identify people you know who have that talent, skill, or attribute. Using these thoughts, fill in the following blanks in a few different ways:

  • If I wanted to learn about , I would follow the example of because .

Repeat the exercise by filling in the first blank of the following sentence with something you want to learn from the Savior and answering why in the final blank.

  • If I wanted to learn about , I would follow the example of Jesus Christ because .

During His ministry in the Americas, the Savior taught the people by word and example.

Read 3 Nephi 18:16, 24, looking for an example Jesus set.

  • What did the Savior want the people to learn from His example?

Before looking at the Savior’s teachings and example, evaluate your personal prayers.

Rate the following on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest:

  • I pray every day.

  • I communicate with and feel close to Heavenly Father when I pray.

  • I feel a desire to improve my personal prayers.

As you continue to study 3 Nephi 18, seek the inspiration of the Holy Ghost to help you know what you can do to improve your personal prayers. Follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ as you seek to improve.

The Savior’s teachings about prayer

Read 3 Nephi 18:15, 18–23, looking for what the Savior taught about prayer. You could also read the Savior’s instruction on prayer from His sermon at the temple in 3 Nephi 13:5–13.

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  1. Answer the following questions:

    • Which of Jesus’s teachings about prayer do you think could help you the most? Why?

The Savior’s example of prayer

Imagine what it would be like to hear Jesus Christ pray for you. What do you think He would pray for on your behalf? Think about the feelings you might have and how they could impact your own prayers.

Read both of the following passages from 3 Nephi 19 and one other passage of your choice. Look for what you can learn from the Savior’s example of prayer.

You could also watch the video “The Disciples Minister and Jesus Christ Prays for the People” from time code 3:05 to 7:18, available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, and follow along with the verses in 3 Nephi 19.

7:30
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  1. Answer the following questions:

    • What did you learn about prayer from the Savior’s example?

    • What did you learn about how the Savior feels about you?

    • How do you think following His example could make a difference in your prayers?

Our personal prayers

Select at least one of the Savior’s teachings or something He exemplified in prayer that you can incorporate into your personal prayers. Create a reminder and begin acting on it today. As you do, notice how it helps your prayers be more meaningful and how it influences your relationship with Heavenly Father.

You may want to add some of what you learned today to your journal entry “Learning about Jesus Christ in 3 Nephi.”