“Having Prayed Mightily” – Alma 2:28

As a Nephite army led by Alma struggled to defend their country against an insurgency led by a man named Amlici, they were alarmed to discover that the insurgents had joined forces with their enemies, and that the combined army was marching toward their capital city. They were terribly outnumbered, but they had an important advantage going into battle: they had “prayed mightily” that God would deliver them, “therefore the Lord did hear their cries, and did strengthen them” (Alma 2:28).

During the battle, as Alma fought with Amlici, he said the following prayer:

O Lord,
have mercy and spare my life,
that I may be an instrument in thy hands
to save and preserve this people.
(Alma 2:30)

As a result of this prayer, “he was strengthened” (Alma 2:31), and he led his armies to victory.

President Henry B. Eyring has reminded us of the importance of prayer as we confront the challenges in our daily lives. He shared the following statement from Brigham Young:

I do not know any other way for the Latter-day Saints than for every breath to be virtually a prayer for God to guide and direct his people.
(Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe (1954), 43–44)

President Eyring went on to explain that we can always remember Jesus Christ by praying frequently to know what He would have us do. “Such prayer,” he said, “offered in faith in Jesus Christ, ushered in this last dispensation. And it will be at the heart of the part each of us will play in its continuing unfolding” (“Prayers of Faith,” General Conference, April 2020).

Today, I will follow the example of Alma and his people by praying mightily to God for strength and guidance. I will pray throughout the day, with the faith that He will hear my cries and strengthen me.