The Nephites faced “a numerous host” but were enabled by God to overcome it. We may not face an army, but we do face numerous tests, trials, and temptations. The Nephites learned that “prayer unlocks the powers of heaven in our behalf” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 470).
How would you describe “mighty” prayer that unlocks heaven’s power?
How unique is the imagery of being “an instrument” in God’s hands in this verse and in other places in the Book of Mormon? (2:30) “This phrase occurs twelve times in the Book of Mormon but not at all in the Old Testament. It refers to servants of the Lord who help bring souls to Christ, often through missionary work. … The phrase appears several times for the younger Alma and the sons of Mosiah (see Mosiah 27:36; Alma 2:30; 17:9, 11; 26:3, 15; 29:9; 35:14). The sense of this expression is perfectly logical in relation to other biblical hand-of-God expressions” (Seely, “Image of the Hand of God,” 145).