2 Nephi 33

I've been asked to speak in stake priesthood meeting this evening. I have spent a great deal of time in writing my talk. It's interesting to me that this morning I read these word of Nephi -

"...when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 33:1)

But sadly, not everyone will receive that Spirit. Nephi said that -

"...there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 33:2)

All I can do is strive to prepare myself to receive and speak by the Spirit. I can pray that those to whom I speak may also receive the Spirit. Nephi says he does just that us -

"...I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry.
4 And I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers for the gain of my people..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 33:3 - 4)

And that the words he had written -

"...will be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which is life eternal." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 33:4)

For -

"...I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 33:6)

He closes with -

"...my beloved brethren... hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 33:10)