Nearly two years ago today marked a monumental day in my life. Up until that crucial moment, I read the Book of Mormon as if it were a novel. The spirit testified as I read, but an in depth analysis of the sacred writings I had previously skimmed through never took place.
             My second mission companion, Joe Hutchings, broke down scripture in a way I had never seen performed. One morning he set a goal to not leave the house until each one of us had shared a "deep doctrine" learned that morning. I remember listening attentively as he explained to me about what he had learned. He then asked me what I had learned. Feeling inferior, I responded that I enjoyed reading Alma 13, but unfortunately could not find anything very profound in the chapter. His jaw dropped, and he took the next ten minutes expounding on the chapter. My eyes had cracked open for the first time.
             The next day, I reread the chapter. This marked my first day of studying and not just reading the scriptures. During that time I felt my eyes were opened and that I learned valuable insights. After taking this class, I feel that my eyes have not only opened wider, but that I have been handed a pair of binoculars.
             Alma Chapter 13 contains the sacred writings that first sparked my interest in studying the scriptures. My mind excites wondering what new concepts will be learned through a slow read and this commentary. Through analysis of key words and phrases, parsing, rhetorical styles, cross-referencing, outlining and asking questions I hope to gain more light and understanding about my Savior.
             The way in which Alma uses the word "cite" in the phrase "cite your minds" corresponds well with the description given in Webster's 1828 dictionary.
             Cite – to call upon officially or authoritatively; to summon.
             Alma begins the chapter by calling officially and authoritatively upon our minds. Alma summons his bret...