Both contexts: Zenos promises Yahweh’s mercy when the worshipper prays “to be heard of thee” but not when it is a social prayer, necessarily directed to the community. God hears the individual’s heartfelt prayer whether it is offered in the wilderness, the field, the home, or the closet. Jesus made the same contrast between personal and public prayer, telling his disciples: “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matt. 6:5).
Zoramite worship is specifically designed to be heard and “seen of men.” By quoting Zenos on this point, Alma all but accuses Zoramite prayer of being false worship because it exists only as a public demonstration. True worship is internal, and all have full access to it.