Alma’s wonderful prayer was given on the eve of his departure to go with his companions among the Zoramites in 74 BC to preach mighty sermons on faith and the Atonement—some of the greatest sermons in all of scripture (see Alma 32–34). The harvest of souls was not to be great on that occasion, but those who were converted eventually went over to the land of Jershon and took up residence among the people of Ammon. Zoram and his leaders were furious at this and threatened the Ammonites if they did not reject the converts. “And now the people of Ammon did not fear their words; therefore they did not cast them out, but they did receive all the poor of the Zoramites that came over unto them; and they did nourish them, and did clothe them, and did give unto them lands for their inheritance; and they did administer unto them according to their wants” (Alma 35:9). As for Zoram, he and his minions took up a correspondence with the Lamanites to explore ways to further their evil desires. Meanwhile, Alma and his compatriots took steps to strengthen their people in preparation for the challenges of the future.
The Book of Mormon is evidence that when valiant servants of the Lord disseminate the word of God through the Spirit, souls can be reclaimed and lives mended.
Life is full of trials, tribulations, and a multiplicity of tests to see if we will be true and faithful to our covenants. We are bombarded from every side with temptations to persuade us to follow after Babylon. When we hold to the rod of iron with pure intent, when we pray with faith, and when we loyally attend to our duties in the kingdom, we can come away victors, for Satan cannot then sift us as wheat. We come to know God through prayer and following His Word. It is His word that will lead us to the tree of life where we can partake of the love of God and enjoy the blessings of eternal life. This is the word that Alma used to persuade the Zoramites to repent, and by which, we too, are commanded to live (see D&C 84:43–46).