Why does Nephi ask his father where to obtain food and not the Lord? 1 Nephi 16:23

Why does Nephi ask his father where to obtain food and not the Lord? 1 Nephi 16:23

Answer:
I don't think there is a way to definitively answer this question, but here are two guesses:

1. Nephi was showing his father Lehi, the patriarch of the group, respect. 
2. This was a passive-aggressive way for Nephi to get his father to pray. 

Nephi's words compelled Lehi and the rest of his family to pray.

That my words would compel others to pray!