13 Do not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye have seen that they pray to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom. 14 Do not say: O God, I thank thee that we are better than our brethren; but rather say: O Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and remember my brethren in mercy—yea, acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times. 15 And may the Lord bless your soul, and receive you at the last day into his kingdom, to sit down in peace. Now go, my son, and teach the word unto this people. Be sober. My son, farewell. (Alma 38:13-15)
In these verses, Alma offers counsel to his son Shiblon about prayer, humility, and his responsibilities as a disciple of Christ. These verses are rich in guidance on sincere worship and living a Christ-centred life.
In verse 13, Alma cautions against praying as the Zoramites, who sought attention and admiration for their eloquence and perceived wisdom. This warning against spiritual pride emphasises the importance of genuine communication with God. Prayer should be a humble, personal dialogue rather than a performance for others. We are reminded to focus our hearts on God, seeking His will and not human praise. This applies today when we find ourselves tempted to showcase spirituality for validation on social media or in public gatherings. True discipleship calls for quiet devotion and sincere worship that seeks God’s favour rather than human approval.
Verse 14 teaches us about the proper attitude in prayer, highlighting the need to acknowledge our dependence on God and our unworthiness. Instead of comparing ourselves to others and feeling superior, we are to seek forgiveness and ask God to bless others with His mercy. This verse offers a profound reflection on humility. In a world often driven by competition and comparisons, we are invited to adopt an attitude of meekness and compassion. Practising this in daily life involves being less judgmental and more empathetic. When we pray, we should examine our hearts for any feelings of pride and replace them with gratitude for God’s grace and a sincere desire for the welfare of others.
Verse 15 concludes with Alma’s fatherly blessing, exhorting Shiblon to go forward in his mission with sobriety and faith. This verse reminds us of the solemnity and seriousness of our spiritual commitments. Being sober here can be understood as having a clear and steady mind, focused on righteous living. In practical terms, this means dedicating ourselves to our responsibilities with mindfulness and reverence. Whether in family life, church service, or daily work, we are called to act with integrity and to teach others through example and kindness.
These verses encourage us to reflect on the sincerity of our prayers, the humility of our hearts, and the seriousness with which we approach our duties. By applying these principles, we draw closer to God, serve others with compassion, and walk in peace with the hope of eternal joy.
I recall the example of a family member who demonstrated the principles taught in Alma through a significant change in the way she approached prayer and humility. She was once a person who often felt the need to showcase her spiritual knowledge, seeking approval and admiration from others. Her prayers, while outwardly eloquent, sometimes lacked the sincerity of heartfelt humility. Over time, through personal reflection and study of Scriptures like these, she came to realise the emptiness of such pursuits and the true purpose of prayer.
There was a distinct moment of transformation when she experienced a serious trial that brought her to her knees in complete dependence on Heavenly Father. Instead of asking for recognition or expressing pride in her own wisdom, her prayers became simple, earnest pleas for forgiveness, guidance, and mercy—not only for herself but for those around her. She began to focus on the needs of others, praying for their well-being with genuine love. Her change in prayer mirrored a serious shift in her character. Humility softened her interactions, and she became more empathetic and compassionate, never comparing herself to others but recognising that all are equally in need of God’s grace.
This personal transformation also had a ripple effect with some of our family. Her example taught us the beauty of sincerity in prayer and the power of approaching God with a truly humble heart. Conversations about faith became less about knowledge and more about shared experiences of grace and mercy. The change in her prayers and attitude served as a living testimony that applying teachings about prayer from the Bible and the Book of Mormon can lead to greater spiritual depth, stronger family unity, and more authentic discipleship.
Prayer has become one of the most sacred and life-changing experiences in my own life. The counsel Alma gives has deepened my understanding of what it means to approach Heavenly Father in humility and sincerity. I have felt the difference between praying with a heart full of true need and gratitude versus offering words that were hollow or spoken with the wrong intent. Prayer is not a place to compare myself to others or to elevate my perceived righteousness, but rather a holy conversation where I acknowledge my dependence on the grace of God.
When I reflect on my own need for forgiveness and mercy, I think of how often I fall short and how gracious the Lord is in lifting me back up. Instead of feeling superior to others, I am learning to cultivate compassion and to pray with a heart that seeks blessings for my brothers and sisters. The admonition to “acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times” is not a call to dwell on weakness, but to rejoice in His strength and mercy. Each time I do so, I feel a renewed sense of peace and a deeper connection to God’s purposes for my life.
I have also learned that sobriety of spirit, as Alma instructs, is essential in my daily walk as a disciple of Jesus Christ. There is great joy in living with focus, mindfulness, and reverence for the responsibilities God has given me. As I strive to teach others with love and to live by Christ’s example, I feel His guiding hand and His quiet assurance that He will bless my soul and receive me in peace. This promise strengthens my faith and fills my heart with hope for eternity.
I know the power of prayer is real, and I have felt its ability to draw me closer to Heavenly Father in times of joy and in moments of deepest need. Prayer, when offered with a humble heart, invites the Spirit to guide, comfort, and strengthen us. The teachings in Alma have confirmed to me that sincere, humble prayer transforms us into more compassionate and Christlike individuals. I have learned that acknowledging my dependence on the Lord and seeking His mercy opens the door to His grace. I bear testimony that humility before God is not a burden but a blessing, and through it, we gain peace, strength, and the assurance of His love.
