John the Beloved explained: “If our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” (1 John 3:21-22.) Enos likewise wrote: “And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith” (Enos 1:12).
“All Things Shall Be Done Unto Thee According to Thy Word”
So complete is the trust that God has in Nephi, so perfect is the assurance that he would not do or say anything contrary to the divine will, that Nephi is granted the promise that all that he asks, all that he says, and all that he does in the name of the Lord will be honored. What Nephi prays for he will get, because his hands are clean and his heart pure. His prayers and his deepest yearnings are directed and motivated by the Holy Spirit. “He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh” (D&C 46:30). Further: “And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done. But know this, it shall be given you what you shall ask.” (D&C 50:29-30.) This latter scriptural passage seems to have at least two possible meanings: first, those who pray in the Spirit have it given to them—revealed to them—what they should pray for; second, those who so live as to come under the influence of this marvelous grace and Christian discipline-these are they who receive what they pray for. Like Nephi, their hearts cry out only for the right things.