Pray as a tool for applying Jesus

The end of Alma 31 taught me so much about prayer this time. The prayer that Alma offers in that section teaches a few things. First, Alma starts his prayer by giving specific information about the situation, information that Heavenly Father already knew (and Alma was aware of that) but he gave it nonetheless. It was like Alma was explaining the situation to justify what he would plead for next. It can be that way for me. Also, I think talking about how we are feeling and going through the situation can help us see things more clearly and know better what to ask for. Second, Alma prayed for a few really specific things, and he applied each one to the Savior or His Atonement: strength, comfort, help in bearing burdens, success in bringing others unto Him, and for his brethren. That is also something I can and should use prayer for. I should think about my situation, and tell Heavenly Father about it. then I should pray for really specific things, and figure out how the Savior specifically could help.