The Prayer of Alma

The greatest and most pivotal moments in the history of our religion have occurred through really small and simple words, offered in the most humble way. 

Its one single act that has effected us so much today. 

A prayer. It was the prayer of Jesus Christ that he offered in the Garden of Gethsemane, that allowed Him to carry out the Atonement. It was the prayer of a humble boy, who wanted to know the truth, that brought about the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

All because of a prayer. 

Some of the most beautiful poetry recorded in the Book of Mormon is in Alma's prayer concerning the Zoramites in Alma 31. At this time, Alma has been sent on a mission to teach the Zoramite people--who were at one time a righteous people, but had fallen wicked because of their pride. When he arrives, he finds them all praying the same prayer, while atop of a Rameumptom. 

Alma explains his grieved heart for what he saw and heard. And because of his emotions, it changes what he will say and how he says it. This is an example of pathos, in that he has an emotional appeal to the audience. He will pray in great earnest and all will hear him. 

"And he lifted up his voice to heaven and cried, saying, 'O, how long, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that thy servants shall dwell here below in the flesh, to behold such gross wickedness among the children of men?"

We can see the example of kairos in his language with these examples: lifted up, cried, suffer, gross wickedness." This is kairos because of the situation that took place prior to his cry to God for help. 

In Alma's prayer, it a beautiful description of him pleading but yet thanking God for Jesus Christ, and the way it is possible to repent. I believe this shows the perfect way to express and teach in spoken word. The phrase "O Lord," is repeated 14 times in just under eight verses. This stylistic use of language is to show emphasis and focus on the Lord Jesus Christ, and His role. But it is also exact contrast of the prayers offered by the Zoramites--which is why we can find this prayer so beautiful and appealing to the audience using pathos. 

Another example of how it exemplifies pathos is that Alma was most likely kneeling down to prayer, with his head bent, hands folded, and a focused attitude. We see the direct contrast of his prayer to the Zoramites, who where high on their "holy stand," with arms stretched out, and a memorized and insincere prayer. 

This prayer offered is what helped the poor Zoramites accept the gospel. It was all because of a prayer...