And they did pray for that which they most desired; and they desired that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them. - 3 Nephi 19:9
My mission president based a talk on this scripture during a zone conference once. It was something that has always stuck with me.
It goes back to Christ's first visit to the Nephites. That covers 3 Nephi 11-18. As soon as he was gone, the people began to spread the word that the Savior had appeared, ministered, and would return the next day (see 3 Nephi 19:2). So of course an even bigger multitude appeared the next day. While they were waiting, the twelve Nephite apostles began to preach, "nothing varying from the words which Jesus had spoken" (vs. 8). And then they began to pray.
Here's where it gets interesting. The day before, the most incredible thing imaginable happened -- the Savior visited the people. And here they are, expecting and wanting Him to return and minister again. And yet, as they pray, what is it that they desire the most? It isn't that Jesus returns, though they undoubtedly desired that quite a bit. Instead, they desired the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Perhaps they knew that while they couldn't always have the Lord with them, they could always have the Holy Ghost to guide them. The gift of the Holy Ghost is truly one of the most precious gifts God could give us. And while we might not have the opportunity to congregate in the land Bountiful and see the Savior with our own eyes, every one of us has the opportunity to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. That is truly a privilege. Of course, that makes living worthily of it even more important.
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