Ether 1

(Below is a list of questions that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

The importance of family histories

1-5. Where did the book of Ether come from?

3-4. How important is the story of the creation and the account of Adam for us to know and be familiar with? What is it about the origin of earth and of mankind that The Lord wants us to know? How does this knowledge help you I your life? How would your life be different if you did not have this knowledge?

6-32. How many generations back can you list your ancestors? How does having a knowledge of your ancestry demonstrate your feelings pertaining to the importance of your family? Why is keeping family history important?

33. What story in the bible is this verse referring to?

34. Why did the people turn to the brother of Jared to petition The Lord in their behalf? Have you ever felt like if you have a spiritual person praying in your behalf, that their prayers are more likely to be heard than yours? How can adding your prayers to theirs provide answers and inspiration in your life? What could you do to help others feel this kind of respect and confidence regarding your relationship with the Lord and your spirituality?

35-36. How important is it for you to pray for your friends? How could knowing that your friends are praying for you strengthen your relationship with them? How do you feel about having others pray for you?

37. How can your prayers strengthen your friends? How does this story teach you of the need to include others in your prayers and the positive influence it can bring into their lives?

38. What would you say is the depth of faith that Jared exemplifies?

39. Why was it important for Jared to exhibit faith before his brother offered up those sentiments through prayer to his father in heaven? How did this attitude help them be prepared to receive an answer to the brother of Jared's prayer?

40. How often does the Lord hear your prayers? How do you know?

41-42. If you were to go on a long journey who would you want to take with you? Where did the Lord want Jared to go? Who was to go with him? What land do you think is choice above all the lands on the earth? Why?

"The book of Mormon informs us that the whole of America, both North and South, is a choice land above all other lands, in other words – Zion. The Lord told the Jaredites that he would lead them to a land 'which is choice above all the lands of the earth.' We understand that they landed in central America where their kingdom existed the greater part of their residence in America."  – Joseph Fielding Smith, doctrines of salvation, 3:73

43. How did the brother of Jared's faith and consistency in praying to the Lord being about great blessings for him, his family, and his friends and their posterity? How are you blessed for faithfully offering up prayers on a continual basis?