Jacob 5-1--To Have Read the Words of the Prophet

Behold, my brethren, do ye not remember to have read the words of the prophet Zenos, which he spake unto the house of Israel, saying . . . .

Specifically, this verse is an introduction to the allegory of the olive tree and is asking whether we remember to have read the words of Zenos. The allegory of the olive tree is an important message and one we must read again and again, but also important here is the implication that not only are we are to read the words of the prophets and remember them, but we're also to remember to have read the words, which I think is the experience of reading those words. Often while reading the words of a prophet (and I would include hearing, such as in a general conference address), we are touched by the Holy Ghost to the increasing of our understanding. It’s important in these cases to write both the new understanding as well as the feeling, the experience of receiving revelation. To “remember to have read the words of the prophet” is to remember the experience of receiving revelation. Write about those experiences. If we write about the setting and circumstances wherein we received revelation or gained greater understanding of a gospel principle, we will be more prone to put ourselves in a similar setting and similar circumstances in the future, and thereby make ourselves more likely to receive revelation again and again.