S. Michael Wilcox wrote:
Helaman was leading an army that was “not strong, according to . . . numbers (Alma 58:15) and had to “contend with an army that was innumerable” (Alma 58:8). Viewing the odds, he knew he needed additional strength, but the Nephite government did “not send more strength” (Alma 58:9.) They would have to make their determined stand alone.
“Therefore, we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us.” (Alma 58:10) It is not always enough to climb to the top of Lehonti’s mountain; deep prayer is also required. Notice that four things came as a result of their prayers: “The Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him. (Alma 58:11.) When we face innumerable forces that attempt to get us to come down from our places of security in spite of our resoluteness, if we pray deeply for strength, the Lord will bless us, too, with assurances, peace, great faith and hope. These are especially needed in the latter days, for Nephi “beheld the church of the Lamb of God, and its numbers were few,” just like Helaman’s army. (1 Nephi 14:12.)
Filled with the comfort of these four things, Helaman’s men “did take courage.” With this new infusion of courage, they were now “fixed with determination to conquer their enemies, and to maintain [their . . . cause of their [liberty]. And thus they did go forth with all their might.” (Alma 58:12-13.)
Helaman has provided us with an effective formula. Prayer leads us to assurance, peace, great faith, and hope, which create the courage necessary for us to remain fixed and determined in maintaining our spiritual liberty. Now we can battle the adversary “with all our might.” ~S. Michael Wilcox, A Year of Powerful Prayer (Salt Lake City, Deseret Book Company: 2013), 198-99
