What Does It Mean to “Search the Scriptures”?

“Since we cannot ‘live by [the words which] proceedeth forth from the mouth of God’ unless we know what they are, it is imperative that we study them. This the Lord has directed us to do.

“As the Jews disputed with Jesus because he said that God was his Father, he pointedly responded: ‘Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.’ (John 5:39.)

“In the Lord’s preface to his Book of Commandments, he said: ‘Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.’ (D&C 1:37.)

“We are under divine instruction to ‘teach the principles of [the] gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon.’ (D&C 42:12.) This we cannot do unless we know what they are.” (Marion G. Romney in CR, Apr. 1973, p. 117.)

Lehi...prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his people

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. (1 Nephi 1:5)

It is noteworthy that Lehi's answer to prayer came after he prayed even with all his heart, in behalf of his people. Enos received an answer to his prayer because of his diligence and humility. This is a good example of a tiny pearl of truth often found in the Book of Mormon. One secret to getting your prayers answered is to pray, even with all your heart.

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