Nephi’s Story: 3 Ways to Invite the Lord into Your Life

As you seek to involve the Lord in your life, He will bless you with more direction, nourishment, and strength

Nephi smiling while traveling in the wilderness with his three brothers, Laman, Lemuel, and Sam, for the Lord made his path possible.

New beginnings are exciting times of reflection, growth, and change. But sometimes change is challenging — especially if you are starting something new and don’t know what to expect.

Nephi, a prophet in the Book of Mormon, and his family experienced change when the Lord commanded them to leave their home and travel to the “promised land” — a land they didn’t know where it was or how to get there. It was something the family had never done before, but as they invited the Lord into their journey, He helped them reach the promised land.

Similarly, you may not know all what to expect beginning this new block, but as you involve the Lord, He will help you to succeed. Read about Nephi’s story to learn three things you can do to invite the Lord into your life.

1. Listen to the Lord’s words

Lehi and his family looking at the Liahona and receiving direction from the Lord. — Lehi and his family looking at the Liahona

Similarly, as you seek to listen to the word of the Lord, written in the scriptures and spoken by apostles and prophets, you will be inviting the Lord into your life and He will direct you on your personal journey.

2. Pray often

Nephi pulling his foot out of rope wrapped around his ankles, which became loose after he prayed. — After Nephi prayed, the rope around his hands and feet became loose.

In our lives, there may be times when it feels like we are bound, stuck, or powerless, but as we pray for help, the Lord will come to us and bless us according to His will and timing.

Reverien Ngendakumana, from Bujumbura, Burundi, said, “I faced many challenges: frequent electricity outages, limited internet access, and even times when I didn’t have a working laptop or a reliable place to study. There were moments I wondered how I could continue, but I held on, driven by faith and prayer.” As Reverien prayed, the Lord gave him strength to finish his degree.

3. Act in faith

Nephi acting in faith as he ties a piece of string to a straight stick, making a bow to hunt food for his family. — As Nephi acted in faith, he was able to get food for his family.

Just like Nephi, as you seek to build your skills and opportunities — even through pursuing education — the Lord will help you to bring physical and spiritual nourishment to your family.

Reaching your promised land

Lehi, Nephi's dad, standing at the front of the ship, holding the Liahona, and directing his family to the promised land. — Faith and diligence helped Nephi and his family reach the promised land.

See how the Lord is making higher education possible through BYU-Pathway Worldwide .

Article published on January 12, 2026