The first prophet to whom Alma turns to teach the Zoramites about prayer and worship is Zenos (v. 3). This great prophet, whose writings have been lost from the Old Testament record (see 1 Nephi 13:26–29), had been quoted before in the Book of Mormon by Nephi, son of Lehi, (see 1 Nephi 19:10), and by Jacob, the brother of Nephi (see Jacob 5). The next several verses (Alma 33:4–11) are a direct quote from Zenos, obviously taken from the plates of brass. Alma’s purpose in quoting Zenos was to show that they did not have to go to their synagogue to pray or worship. The Lord had heard Zenos’ prayer in every possible place, the wilderness, his field, his house, in the closet in his house, and even in the midst of the Lord’s congregations. It was not where he prayed, but how sincerely he prayed to the Lord that was mercifully answered under trying circumstances. Zenos further acknowledged the role of the Son of God in the answers to his prayers (vv. 8–11). Alma also emphasized the role of the Son by repeating what Zenos had said (vv. 12–13). Surely the afflictions of the Zoramites were akin to the sufferings and afflictions of Zenos. The same is certainly true for us today.