The Wrong and the Right Way

   This week we read of Alma and his companions go to preach unto a wicked people, the Zoramites. When they came unto the city of the Zoramites they beheld a very strange practice. Alma and his brethren found the Zoramites praying to God, but they soon realized that it was not a correct prayer. Later on, Alma offers a prayer of his own which allows us to compare a righteous prayer verse an apostate or incorrect prayer. (Alma 31)
   The Zoramites had built a tall structure which was big enough for only one person to enter. The purpose of this stand was that only one person could be lifted up to pray to God. (Alma 31: 13, 14) Whereas Alma "lifted up his voice to heaven." (Alma 31: 26) We don't need any special stand to raise us up closer to heaven, by merely praying to the Lord and lifting up our voices we can speak with God.
    The Zoramites continue in their prayer by expressing their own pride and arrogance. They continually thank God that they are better and smarter than others. (Alma 31: 16, 17 - 18) Alma, however, prays for the well being of his brethren(Alma 31: 27 - 29) to the extent that his soul is in pain and he feels sorrowful for their wickedness. (Alma 31: 30-31) Likewise, in our prayers we shouldn't only talk about ourselves but we need to pray for others and have empathy for them.
   The Zoramite prayer was also repeated the exact same way each time but whats more is when they concluded their prayers they would not even mention God until they met again to pray the next week. (Alma 31: 23) Whereas, Alma in his prayer was very specific praying for his brethren and then strengthening them so that they could go and preach about God unto the Zoramites. We cannot merely fill our allotted time to God and expect our prayers to be answered. Neither should we focus on ourselves, that is not the purpose of being Christian, we need to think of others and pray also for their wellbeing. Also, Alma and his brethren were blessed according to his prayer because he prayed with faith. (Alma 31: 38) As we remember God in all we do and offer up our prayers in faith for more than just our own needs we will receive the strength and blessings that are needed, even as Alma and his brethren did.