Like Lehi many generations later, this small band of Jaredite families is guided by the Lord into the wilderness for a period of time as part of their quest to attain the promised land. They cross many waters in barges and finally came to the seashore, where they reside in tents, awaiting further word. Like all servants of God, the brother of Jared goes through a process of growth before he attains the stature of leadership required of his service. At the end of a four-year period of time, the Lord speaks to the brother of Jared from a cloud and imparts a powerful lesson about the inescapable need to be diligent in prayer: “And for the space of three hours did the Lord talk with the brother of Jared, and chastened him because he remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord” (Ether 2:14). Thus chastened, the penitent leader rises up and, having been forgiven of the Lord for forgetfulness, proceeds to prepare and equip the barges for the trans-oceanic journey.
How can we be assured that our manner of “calling upon the Lord” meets His approval? Even the prophet, the brother of Jared, is chastised for not remembering to “call upon the name of the Lord.” Whether it is the frequency of praying, the intent of his prayers, the hearkening to the inspiration to pray, the degree of gratitude expressed, or some other lapse we know not. It is not unprecedented for prophets to be chastised. The prophet Lehi is chastened for murmuring (see 1 Nephi 16:25). The Prophet Joseph Smith and his counselors in this dispensation are also chastened for not following the word of the Lord as required (see D&C 93:41–49; 95:1–2). Let us never forget that chastening is of the Lord and done because He loves us. If we cannot bear chastisement, we are not worthy of the kingdom (see D&C 136:31). Let us remember to pray faithfully and express our gratitude with authentic devotion and never forget our God.