288. The Prayer of Enos

One of the books in The Book of Mormon is written by and about the prophet Enos. In this story, we learn how Enos prayed for the salvation of his own soul, his people, the Nephites, and the enemy people, the Lamanites. I have known this story for as long as I can remember. And I’ve always read it and been taught about as Enos was a good man who prayed for himself, his people, and his enemies. Good for him.
But though I have known this story and its place among the rest of the Book of Mormon stories, today I was given a moment of clarity by a simple phrase, spoken in passing by someone teaching about Enos’ devotion to his people and his enemies. “Enos was Jacob’s son.” I knew this. It’s very clearly stated in the scriptures. But I never once before now made the next connection. Enos was Jacob’s son. He was Lehi’s grandson. He was Nephi’s nephew, Laman’s nephew. Lamar and Lemuel were Enos’ uncles. Their children were his cousin. His family. This is what finally dawned on me today. Enos wasn’t just praying for some obscure group of barbarians. They were his cousins. He was praying for the salvation of his family members. This wasn’t a prayer of general welfare. He was likely seeing the faces of individuals that he knew and loved. His father grew up with the people he prayed for. He probably knew each of them by name, and having read the writings of his father, Uncle, and grandfather, he knew the disposition of his uncles. He knew the chances his cousins had of learning the Gospel were slim to none.
That is why he prayed all the day and into the night. This wasn’t a plea for general world peace; it was an effort of love for each of his lost family members. It was a plea for the individuals that made up the group. How much greater, then, must have been his relief and joy when his prayer was answered with a promise of salvation for these people. He knew his cousins would find eternal peace despite his uncles’ hard hearts and unwillingness to teach their children truth. His family could have peace.