Alma 34:15-26

15  And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance.

16  And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption.

17  Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;

Alma 34:15-17 (Emphasis mine)

Amulek teaches the concepts of justice and mercy.  Through the atonement of Christ, salvation will be brought to those who believe in Him and his sacrifice, which is the core of mercy.  Mercy overcomes and satisfies the demands justice and salvation comes through faith and repentance. 

He continues explaining if you have no faith and refuse to repent, you must experience the demands of justice.  Only those who have faith and repent, you can receive redemption.

10  Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

Psalms 32:10 (Emphasis mine)

Eugene England explains how Amulek’s word help clarify the concept of the atonement.

“The point the Book of Mormon makes much more clearly than I find made in the Bible is this: To continue experiencing the atonement of Christ after we have received his grace, we must extend grace to others. Christ makes us into new creatures, into persons strong enough not to act contrary to what we know—that is, not to sin— if we will merely accept Christ's merciful, undeserved love; he gives us power to repent, the ‘means’ by which we can ‘have faith unto repentance’ (Alma 34:15). But if we then continue judging others, we will unconsciously judge ourselves. We must constantly give mercy to be able to accept it. We must never exact revenge, even in the name of perfect justice. We must not take vengeance, even upon ourselves, the sinners whom we inwardly know most certainly deserve it.” [1] (Emphasis mine)

Dennis Largey further explains:

“While Paul taught that men are justified by the blood of Christ, which will save them from wrath, Amulek explained the doctrine of justification by teaching that the intent of Jesus' sacrifice was to initiate a plan of mercy which would overpower justice and enable men to have faith and repent. The result of this, Amulek continued, is that mercy can satisfy justice and encircle the repentant person in the arms of safety (thus saving him from the wrath Paul mentioned), while ‘he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice’ (Alma 34: 15—16; see Romans 5:9).” [2] (Emphasis mine)

Amulek uses Zenos’s teachings (see Alma 33:4-11) as the basis for his next comments.

18  Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.

19  Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.

20  Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.

21  Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid–day, and evening.

22  Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.

23  Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.

24  Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.

25  Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.

26  But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.

Alma 34:18-26 (Emphasis mine)

Marilyn Arnold calls Chapter 34 on of the “most moving doctrinal chapters in the Book of Mormon..” 

“Certainly Alma 34 is one of the most moving doctrinal chapters in the Book of Mormon, and all forty-one verses are devoted to Amulek's sermon. Some might glance at verse 1 and assume this discourse to be merely a postscript to Alma's splendid sermon on faith and the word as a seed. Believe me, it is much more than that, and Mormon must have recognized that a summary would not do. We should never forget, either, that Amulek, a once-prominent and -prosperous man in the apostate city of Ammonihah, has given up everything for the gospel—home, family, friends, worldly possessions—to join the younger Alma on a mission to bring backsliders to faith and repentance.” [3] (Emphasis mine)

I’ll conclude with one last item from Sister Arnold’s lecture.

“I am grateful to Mormon for also including Amulek's words about prayer to these poor Zoramites who had been forbidden to worship in churches they helped build, and therefore apparently assumed they could no longer approach God. In what can only be described as poetry (at least by me), Amulek enjoins the outcast Zoramites to pray to the Lord wherever they are, whenever they can, over all aspects of their lives. And if they can't speak their prayers aloud, they should speak them silently. I won't cite the entire passage, but you remember that verse after verse begins with ‘Cry unto him,’ whether it be over crops, flocks, and household, or against enemies that threaten, or even the devil himself (see Alma 34:18–27).” [4] (Emphasis mine)

---

[1] A Second Witness for the Logos: The Book of Mormon and Contemporary Literary Criticism, Eugene England, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed December 7, 2011.

[2] The Book of Mormon, An Interpretive Guide to the New Testament, Dennis Largey, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed December 7, 2011.

[3] The Book of Mormon: Passport to Discipleship, Marilyn Arnold, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed December 7, 2011.

[4] Ibid.

Alma 6

After Alma(2) finished preaching (Chapter 5), he ordained elders and priests to help with the ministry (Alma 6:1).  The work went forth.  Those that repented and were baptized became a part of the church.  Those that refused had their names removed (blotted out) and were no longer a part of the church.  (Alma 6:2-3). 

Mormon breaks into his account and offers a brief explanation.  In verse 5, he wrote:

Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God was liberal unto all, that none were deprived of the privilege of assembling themselves together to hear the word of God.

Mormon tells us that all had the opportunity to hear the word and that freedom to assemble and hear the word of God is available to all.

The people met often and fasted and prayed for those who rejected the word of the Lord (verse 6).  The Lord offered many opportunities for the wicked to repent; they could never claim that they didn’t have real opportunities to repent.

Fasting is an important part of gaining the spirit.  There are a number of scriptures that point this out.

10  Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;

11  All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

12  And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.

13  Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.

14  For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

15  Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,

16  Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

Esther 4:10-16 (Emphasis mine)

13  But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Psalms 35:13 (Emphasis mine)

18  Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

19  Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

20  And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

21  Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

22  My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocence was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

23  Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den.  So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

 Daniel 6:18–23 (Emphasis mine)

12  Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

Joel 2:12 (Emphasis mine)

1  THEN was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

2  And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

3  And [then] the tempter came to him …

Matthew 4:1-3 (Emphasis mine)

14  And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

15  Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

16  And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

17  Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you?  how long shall I suffer you?  bring him hither to me.

18  And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

19  Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

20  And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith … nothing shall be impossible unto you.

21  Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Matthew 17:14-21 (Emphasis mine)

30  And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31  And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

Acts 10:30-31 (Emphasis mine)

In the October 2004 General Conference, Elder Carl B. Pratt discussed the importance of fasting.

“Brethren, I hope you noticed this morning, as President Hinckley prepared to announce the names of two new Apostles, he spoke of fasting and praying to know the Lord’s will.

“Fasting has always been a practice among God’s people. In our day it is a commandment given by the Lord to all members of the Church. In addition to occasional special fasts that we might have for personal or family reasons, we are expected to fast once a month on the first Sunday …

“I fear, brethren, that too many of us are either not fasting on fast day or we are doing so in a lackadaisical manner. If we are guilty of taking our fast day for granted … we are depriving ourselves and our families of the choice spiritual experiences and blessings that can come from a true fast.

“Throughout the scriptures the term fasting is usually combined with prayer … Fasting without prayer is just going hungry for 24 hours. But fasting combined with prayer brings increased spiritual power.” (Emphasis mine)

After Alma(2) took care of things in Zarahemla, he departed for Gideon to preach to the church there.  In the next post, we’ll review his teachings.

2 Nephi 33:1-3

Chapter 33 Heading

Nephi's words are true—They testify of Christ—Those who believe in Christ will believe Nephi's words—They shall stand as a witness before the judgment bar. About 559–545 B.C.
 

1  AND now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.

2 Nephi 33:1 (Emphasis mine)

Nephi(1) is finishing his writings.  His death is recorded in the Book of Jacob (see Jacob 1:12).  The heading to Jacob, Chapter 1, dates that chapter beginning 544 BC, one year after the time covered by this chapter.  His life is ending and he wants to leave one last testimony for his people.  As we read his words in this chapter, we should keep this in mind.  It can help us fully understand and appreciate the spirit of his words.

He begins by expressing his concerns that, while he is mighty in speaking, he is a weaker writer.  (I have found Nephi(1)'s words to be very powerful.  If he was a better speaker, I truly wish I could have had the opportunity to hear him preach the gospel.  It must have been quite an experience!)  According to Nephi(1), when someone speaks through the power of the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost touches the hearts of the listeners.

This is important because the Holy Ghost testifies to the truthfulness of the gospel, the divinity,words,  and mission of Christ.  He is a powerful witness to us to help us know the truthfulness of what we hear.

In the April 2001 General Conference, then Young Women's General President Margaret D. Nadauld said:

"The Lord promises us that “because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer” (Moro. 8:26).  Your Heavenly Father will help you find the right path as you seek His guidance. Remember though, after you pray you must get off your knees and start doing something positive; head in the right direction! He will send people along the way who will assist you, but you must be doing your part as well. By the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, you can be guided in your trip through life. Point number three—the Holy Ghost is also a testifier. This Holy Spirit can help you really understand deep down inside the most important truth ever known—that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and that because of Him every one of us who ever lived will one day live again ... The Holy Spirit is a comforter, a guide, a testifier. What a remarkable and holy member of the Godhead. And you have the right to His influence and inspiration! How blessed and loved you are! " (Emphasis mine)

In the October 2009 General Conference, Elder Richard G. Scott said:

"Father in Heaven knew that you would face challenges and be required to make some decisions that would be beyond your own ability to decide correctly. In His plan of happiness, He included a provision for you to receive help with such challenges and decisions during your mortal life. That assistance will come to you through the Holy Ghost as spiritual guidance. It is a power, beyond your own capability, that a loving Heavenly Father wants you to use consistently for your peace and happiness ...Now I share an experience that taught me a way to gain spiritual guidance. One Sunday I attended the priesthood meeting of a Spanish branch in Mexico City. I vividly recall how a humble Mexican priesthood leader struggled to communicate the truths of the gospel in his lesson material. I noted the intense desire he had to share those principles he strongly valued with his quorum members. He recognized that they were of great worth to the brethren present. In his manner, there was an evidence of a pure love of the Savior and love of those he taught.  His sincerity, purity of intent, and love permitted a spiritual strength to envelop the room. I was deeply touched. Then I began to receive personal impressions as an extension of the principles taught by that humble instructor. They were personal and related to my assignments in the area. They came in answer to my prolonged, prayerful efforts to learn ... As each impression came, I carefully wrote it down. In the process, I was given precious truths that I greatly needed in order to be a more effective servant of the Lord. The details of the communication are sacred and, like a patriarchal blessing, were for my individual benefit. I was given specific directions, instructions, and conditioned promises that have beneficially altered the course of my life ... What I have described is not an isolated experience. It embodies several true principles regarding communication from the Lord to His children here on earth. "  (Emphasis mine)

16  Rejoice evermore.
17  Pray without ceasing.
18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19  Quench not the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (Emphasis mine)

19  ¶ Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
20  And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side.  Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
21  Then said Jesus to them again,
22  And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

John 20:19- 22 (Emphasis mine)

2  But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught.

It appears that there were many who did not accept Nephi(1)'s words.  This, he tells us, is because they harden their hearts against the message.  The words mean nothing to them.  They reject the words and go on as if there's nothing wrong.

1  THE word of the LORD also came unto me, saying,
2  Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.

Ezekiel 12:1-2 (Emphasis mine)

12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
13  But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
14  Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind.  And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Matthew 15:12-14 (Emphasis mine)

37  ¶ But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
38  That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report?  and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
39  Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
40  He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

John 12:37-40 (Emphasis mine)

3  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the flight of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (Emphasis mine) 

17  This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Ephesians 4:17-18 (Emphasis mine)

3  But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people.  

For I pray continually for them by day, 

     and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; 

and I cry unto my God in faith, 

     and I know that he will hear my cry.

2 Nephi 33:3 (Emphasis mine)

Nephi(1) will not apologize for what he has written (preached) to his people.  He taught what he taught and preached what he preached because he know it was important that his people know and understand these principles.

In the April 2010 General Conference, Elder D. Todd Christofferson said:

"Through the scriptures, God does indeed 'show forth his power' to save and exalt His children. By His word, as Alma said, He enlarges our memory, sheds light on falsehood and error, and brings us to repentance and to rejoice in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.  The scriptures enlarge our memory by helping us always to remember the Lord and our relationship to Him and the Father. They remind us of what we knew in our premortal life. And they expand our memory in another sense by teaching us about epochs, people, and events that we did not experience personally. None of us was present to see the Red Sea part and cross with Moses between walls of water to the other side. We were not there to hear the Sermon on the Mount, to see Lazarus raised from the dead, to see the suffering Savior in Gethsemane and on the cross, and we did not, with Mary, hear the two angels testify at the empty tomb that Jesus was risen from the dead. You and I did not go forward one by one with the multitude in the land Bountiful at the resurrected Savior’s invitation to feel the prints of the nails and bathe His feet with our tears. We did not kneel beside Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove and gaze there upon the Father and the Son. Yet we know all these things and much, much more because we have the scriptural record to enlarge our memory, to teach us what we did not know. And as these things penetrate our minds and hearts, our faith in God and His Beloved Son takes root.  The scriptures also enlarge our memory by helping us not forget what we and earlier generations have learned. Those who either don’t have or ignore the recorded word of God eventually cease to believe in Him and forget the purpose of their existence. You will remember how important it was for Lehi’s people to take the brass plates with them when they left Jerusalem. These scriptures were key to their knowledge of God and the coming Redemption of Christ. The other group that 'came out from Jerusalem' shortly after Lehi had no scriptures, and when Lehi’s descendants encountered them some 300 or 400 years later, it is recorded that 'their language had become corrupted; … and they denied the being of their Creator' (Omni 1:15, 17). " (Emphasis mine)

3  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Matthew 4:3-4 (Emphasis mine)

39 ¶ Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40  And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

John 5:39-40 (Emphasis mine)

15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Timothy 3:15-16 (Emphasis mine)

And, despite the people's unwillingness to listen, Nephi(1) prays and weeps for them, because of their unbelief.  And, because of his faith, he knows his prayers will be heard.

4  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Acts 6:4 (Emphasis mine)

17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Ephesians 6:17-18 (Emphasis mine)

6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (Emphasis mine)

5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

James 1:5-6 (Emphasis mine)

12  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do devil.

1 Peter 3:12 (Emphasis mine)

2 Nephi 32:1-9

Chapter 32 Heading

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost—Men must pray and gain knowledge for themselves from the Holy Ghost. About 559–545 B.C.

1  AND now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way.  But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts?
2  Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels?  And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?
3  Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.  Wherefore, I said unto you, bfeast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

2 Nephi 32:1-3 (Emphasis mine)

Nephi(1) asks why we carefully consider his words before we made a decision?  He has taught the principles to them, for example, they can speak with the tongue of angels after they have received the Holy Ghost.  He has taught them that angles speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, that they speak the words of Christ.  He tells them to feast on the words of Christ and you will learn all things you must do.

15  ¶ O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.
16  Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Jeremiah 15:15-16 (Emphasis mine)

35  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 6:35 (Emphasis mine)

4  Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.
5  For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.6  Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh.  And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do
7  And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.

2 Nephi 32:4-7 (Emphasis mine)

Nephi(1) next informs us if we don't understand these words, it's our fault.  Why?  We don't ask!  It's that simple.  If we ask, we will know the truth.  We will now the way.  The Holy Ghost will show us all things we should do.  This, Nephi(1) writes, is the doctrine of Christ.

And he cannot continue.  He has been commanded the Spirit to stop teaching at this point.  This is because of the wickedness of men.  Even when we receive teachings in plain and simple language, we still cannot understand.  So, he stops. 

5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

James 1:5-6 (Emphasis mine)

14  ¶ Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

Mark 16:14 (Emphasis mine)

24  Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt?  If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
25  Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
26  But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

John 10:24-26 (Emphasis mine)

14  Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Proverbs 28:14 (Emphasis mine)

52  For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

Mark 6:52 (Emphasis mine)

8  Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.

2 Chronicles 30:8 (Emphasis mine)

8  And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing.  For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the devil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.
9  But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.

2 Nephi 32:8 - 9 (Emphasis mine)

How do we overcome this stiffneckedness?  Pray.  The Spirit teaches us to pray.  It is the devil who teaches us not to pray.  Why shouldn't he?  He knows that if we pray, with a sincere heart, we will receive our answers.  That's the last thing he wants from us.

Nephi(1) closes this chapter telling us to pray always.  Pray that he will consecrate what we do do, so that what we do we do for our welfare.

20  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 3:20-21 (Emphasis mine)

17  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

John 7:17 (Emphasis mine)

14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (Emphasis mine)

7  ¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Matthew 7:7-8 (Emphasis mine)

12  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Romans 12:12  (Emphasis mine)

Nephi(1) emphasized the importance of prayer.  In the October 2008, Elder David A. Bednar spoke on prayer.

"Simply stated, prayer is communication to Heavenly Father from His sons and daughters on earth. “As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part” (Bible Dictionary, “Prayer,” 752) ... prayer is a key part of the spiritual preparation for our day.  " (Emphasis mine)

Praying for guidance in what we do is the way we will receive "consecration in our performance. " In the October 2009 General Conference, Elder Richard G. Scott discussed the importance of spiritual guidance.

"In His plan of happiness, He included a provision for you to receive help with such challenges and decisions during your mortal life. That assistance will come to you through the Holy Ghost as spiritual guidance. It is a power, beyond your own capability, that a loving Heavenly Father wants you to use consistently for your peace and happiness ... Impressions of the Spirit can come in response to urgent prayer or unsolicited when needed. Sometimes the Lord reveals truth to you when you are not actively seeking it, such as when you are in danger and do not know it. However, the Lord will not force you to learn. You must exercise your agency to authorize the Spirit to teach you. As you make this a practice in your life, you will be more perceptive to the feelings that come with spiritual guidance. Then, when that guidance comes, sometimes when you least expect it, you will recognize it more easily. "  (Emphasis mine)

It is up to each one of us to learn the truth of Nephi(1)'s words.  We can do this through prayer.  As our faith grows we will become closer to the Holy Ghost.  As we become more and more in tune with the Holy Ghost, he becomes our guide in life. 

Then we will no longer have to ponder to the word God.  We will know the truthfulness of what we hear and our lives and performance will become consecrated by Christ.  It doesn't get any better than that.