Seminary: 65 Alma 33-34

Background: Alma and friends are with the Zoramites preaching. The rich are not interested in their words. The poor are looking for religion and Alma teaches them about faith.


In our last discussion what did Alma compare to the growth of a seed to a tree?

Alma 33:22-23

What was the message that Alma said we should place in our heart and nourish with faith?

What will become of the word if it is nourished by faith?

What does the tree represent?

In the verse Alma said that if we can nourish the word so that it becomes a “tree” that the Lord will make our burdens light.

What does this mean?

How does the Lord make our burdens light?

Matthew 11:28-30

What does this mean?

So what is required in order for the Lord to make our burdens light? (testimony)

What is the required to gain a testimony of Jesus Christ?
• Humility
• Desire to believe
• Faith in the Lord
• Correct Doctrine
• Study
• Prayer
• Patience
• Obedience
• Diligence

President Gordon B. Hinckley:

“The strength of the Church lies in the conviction carried in the hearts of its members, by the individual members of the Church. It is the privilege, it is the opportunity, it is the privilege, it is the opportunity, it is the obligation of every Latter-day Saint to gain for himself or herself a certain knowledge that this is the work of the Almighty, that God our Eternal Father lives and watches over His children when they look to Him in faith; that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Redeemer of all mankind, who rose from the dead to become the firstfruits of them that slept. That testimony…is the most precious possession that any of us can hold” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 647)

“I am satisfied, I know it’s so, that whenever a man has a true witness in his heart of the living reality of the Lord Jesus Christ all else will come together as it should….That is the root from which all virtue springs among those who call themselves Latter-day Saints” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 648)

Display picture of Jesus in Gethsemene

What did Jesus pray for in Gethsemene?

What are other times we have his prayers recorded from his ministry?

• Night prior to choosing his disciples (Luke 6:12-13)

• At the Last Supper, he prayed on behalf of His disciples (John 17)

• While visiting the Nephites (3 Nephi 17:15-17)

Why does prayer require humility?

Why does prayer require faith?

Write:
• When can the Lord hear and answer our prayers?

• Where can we pray and worship?

• What should we pray for?

• How does prayer help us recognize our need for Heavenly father and His Son?

• What are some of the circumstances in which Heavenly Father grants us His mercy?

What can we do to improve our prayers?

Why do we pray?

Procrastination is the thief of eternal life (Joseph Fielding Smith).

Now is the time to prepare to meet god (Alma 34:32-34)