The formula for obtaining eternal life, as given above (vv. 3–5), and in the higher law of Christ, is to: “Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (3 Nephi 14:7; Matthew 7:7). If we ask (pray), seek (study), and knock (live the principles), the way is opened unto us.
The devil has a counter program to obstruct the attainment of eternal life. Instead of studying, men are prone to not believe and remain in ignorance, not being willing to search for knowledge. Instead of trying to live the gospel, men fall into the wickedness of the world, and because of their pride (stiffneckedness), they will not pray or ask God for his Spirit (v. 7). The evil spirit teaches a man not to pray (v. 8) while the Holy Ghost will guide our prayers and teach us the things for which we should pray. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings [striving] which cannot be uttered [expressed]” (Romans 8:26; see also Ephesians 6:18; and Jude 1:20; 3 Nephi 19:24).
The pattern for prayer in our life, to “not perform anything unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ” (v. 9) is confirmed in modern revelation: “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments” (D&C 59:21).