Alma 33:9 - Worship Anywhere

2 And Alma said unto them: Behold, ye have said that ye could not worship your God because ye are cast out of your synagogues. But behold, I say unto you, if ye suppose that ye cannot worship God, ye do greatly err, and ye ought to search the scriptures; if ye suppose that they have taught you this, ye do not understand them.

In this exchange with the impoverished Zoramite people, Alma expounds upon his teachings about faith. In the previous chapter, he compared faith to a seed and metaphorically taught how to plant it and nurture it. However, in this chapter, the people, still somewhat confused, inquire Alma how they can develop faith if they are not allowed in the synagogue. This verse specifically shows Alma’s swift response and the rest of the chapter details what he and other prophets have said about worshipping anywhere.

Alma makes a great point wherein he directs their inquiry to the scriptures. This is an excellent pattern after which we too can follow when others ask us questions. It is important to note that Alma stresses searching the scriptures instead of passively meandering. Many people suppose many doctrines from the scriptures, but just like the Zoramite people, they “do not understand them.” To be able to adequately understand the scriptures we must cultivate the spirit in our lives such that it can reveal to us the doctrine as we read. Additionally, God has ordained prophets and other leaders who are charged with interpreting the doctrine how God would want. By following these leaders, like Alma or our modern-day prophet, we can know of a surety what we are learning is true.

To reflect on the core doctrine presented in this verse, Alma explains to the people that one does not have to be inside a synagogue to communicate with God. He later references prophets like Zenos and Zenock who both explain that God has heard them in the wilderness and other places. This doctrine is equally important for our day. Far too often, people reserve their prayers for Sunday service. However, an omnipotent God is fully capable of hearing His children wherever they are. As we keep in constant communication with Him, we can more fully feel His love and receive greater direction. To worship means to give one’s full self to another. We can do that by praying and following His commandments everywhere we go.