First Nephi 2:18-19

But, behold, Laman and Lemuel would not hearken unto my words; and being grieved because of the hardness of their hearts I cried unto the Lord for them. And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me diligently, with lowliness of heart. 

Being the good brother and faithful witness that Nephi was by nature, he tried to bear his testimony and share his spiritual experiences with his other brothers, just as he had done with his brother Sam. Unlike Sam, however, who accepted Nephi’s testimony, Laman and Lemuel rejected him. Nephi’s experience prepared Joseph Smith for the experiences that would shortly come into his life as he began to share his message from the Lord. A few would accept his witness and others would reject him. We can expect the same in our own lives. As every missionary can attest, some will listen, but many will not. That does not mean, however, that we should stop trying.

It is interesting that the Lord came to Nephi not when Nephi was praying for himself, but when he was praying for his wayward brothers. Praying for others is an essential element of our prayer life and our spiritual development.