The turbulent story of a great missionary episode here comes to a gentle close. The anguish through which Alma and Amulek had passed had knit them inseparably together. Their joint missionary activities had been plentifully rewarded. Their harvest had been rich; their influence for good, almost limitless. Alma and Amulek, through the tears of affliction, could look into their hearts and find great joy.
May we, in humility, suggest a silent prayer of meditation and praise to God, offered by our brethren, the Jews. Many of whose thoughts, we are sure, were in the minds of Alma and Amulek as they, at the close of their great mission, silently wended their way to Alma's home in Zarahemla:
Almighty Father, Source of all blessings, we thank Thee for the preservation of our lives, and for the joy of living, for the powers of the mind and heart and for the wisdom that comes to us through seers and sages filled with Thy Spirit.
Teach us to use wisely the blessings Thou hast bestowed upon us. May prosperity not enfeeble our spirits nor harden our hearts. May it never so master us as to dull our desire for life's higher ideals.
And should adversity come, may it not embitter us or cause us to despair, but may we accept it as a mark of Thy chastening love which purifies and strengthens. Let every obstacle become an incentive to greater effort, and let every defeat teach us anew the lesson of patience and perseverance.
Gird us with strength to bear our trials with courage. Let not the loss of anything, however dear to our hearts or precious in our sight, rob us of our faith in Thee. In light as in darkness, in joy as in sorrow, help us to put our trust in Thy providence, that even through our tears we may discern Thy divine blessing. (Union Prayer Book.)