3 Nephi 19
The veil was exceptionally thin at this time and place as angels came down to minister and Christ came down to teach and the disciples taught and baptized. In such an environment even people who were basically good but had not been particularly committed before would begin to be more obedient. With all the society reinforcing the practices and doctrines of righteousness it would be easier to transmit those practices and beliefs to the next generation.
I’m not trying to suggest that their righteousness was fake or that it was simply handed to them, only that there are many people who are basically good who will be influenced by their environment one way or the other. That is why it is so important for us to actively strive for righteousness no matter how righteous or wicked the society around us already is. If we are committed and let our light shine to those around us we will have a positive impact on some people around us who might not have been as strong without our influence. We may or may not recognize our influence in any given individual but we will not recognize our full influence generally. Our task is not to recognize our influence, only to have an influence.
The pattern of the disciples praying to Jesus as He prays to the Father is not one we should emulate (although surely someone will preach such a doctrine at some time) but it does illustrate the mechanics of prayer. We pray unto the Father in the name of Christ and the prayer is advocated or approved by the Savior before it is answered by Heavenly Father.
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