After such a stirring lecture on faith in chapter 32, Alma gives us a simple directive in chapterr 33 -- If you want to know it, try it.
As you study Alma 33 today:
*What does verse 2 teach us about the importance of having the Spirit present when we study the scriptures?
*What do these verses from Zenos remind you of or teach us?
*I love verse 14. It's so straightforward. It is the very essence of Moroni's challenge in Moroni 10:3-5, don't you think?
*Alma uses the children of Israel as an example in verses 19-21 -- how are we like them? How can we avoid being like them? What are some of the simple things Alma is talking about?
*I just love the promise in verse 23 -- makes the whole experiment worthwhile, doesn't it?
4 comments:
There's so much to comment on in this chapter! I find it interesting, that right after Alma talks about searching the scriptures, he uses a passage from Zenock that uses a form of "prayer" 10 times in 8 verses. It just kind of emphasizes the need to pray while reading, in order to OBTAIN the Spirit! I like Verse 9: Thou hast been merciful unto me and heard my cries in the midst of thy congregations. With SO MANY children praying to Him at the same time, he still is able to not only hear ME, but answer in ways specific to MY needs. The thing I like about verse 23 is that only AFTER we plant and begin to nourish our faith (through study, prayer, putting ourselves in good places), only "THEN" does God grant that our "burdens may be light." Great incentive to do all these things. I know from my own experience that I'm better able to handle my burdens (and not be so grumpy!" when I'm reading/studying my scriptures and praying with real intent!
If I were writing like Zenos:
Thou art merciful, O God for thou hast heard my prayer in the shower as it is the only place I'm alone, or in the car while my kids are asleep, and when I wake in the middle of the night worried that I have offended, or during family prayer when I had one eye open.
Thank you Amy B for pointing out that during a congregational prayer the prayer in my heart is also heard by the Lord.
I think we could be under the same condemnation today like vs. 16 Thou art angry O lord with this people because they will not understand thy mercies which thou hast bestowed upon them because of thy Son.
I just think YES I am so greatful for the happiness living the commandments gives me and I have such gratitude for that but my understanding of the Atonement is so small and my gratitude needs to be enlarged. This is the essence of what the scriptures are trying to testify of and I stay on the shallow shores refusing to dive deep into the love the atonement offers me.
Alma teaches exactly what we should plant in our hearts in vs. 22 "begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people and that he shall suffer and die to antone for their sins and that he shall rise again from the dead which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him to be judged at the last and judgment day according to their works."
Has there ever been a more succint summary of the Plan?
And the fruit from planting this seed is described in vs. 23 and then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will.
We are free to choose. Why do I procrastinate?
3 things that really stood out in this chapter (which I am beginning to love even more than 32! I guess I shouldn't say that, but wow -- it's such a good chapter.):
1. Prayer is absolutely essential to the exercise of faith. I need to seriously improve in this area -- can we have a prayer group so I have some accountability? :)
2. God loves us. But He forgives us because of Jesus. We are nothing without Christ and His Atonement.
3. Obey because you believe.
And I love the last sentence:
"...all this can ye do if ye will."
It's totally up to me to take the opportunity.
PS -- Congratulations, Monica, on 7 years of membership in the Church! We're better because of you!
It IS all up to me and the amount of effort I am willing to invest. But this promise? Incredible! I must do better and now!
Janelle, I loved your list of places you pray. I relate completely! My list would include kneeling in my bathroom at work because of a phone call from one of my children or another. What comfort to know He listens no matter where we choose to speak to Him.
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