Cry Unto the Lord

There is a difference between praying and crying to God. A petitioner who cries comprehends his desperate and lowly position. It is used eleven times in the Ether chapters to describe the brother of Jared.¹ Amulek’s sermon to the Zoramites advises them eight times to cry unto God (see Alma 16:35).² In these examples the petitions to God are not called “prayer,” but are called “crying” to Him.³Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you (Alma 16:35 LE). And when you don’t pray aloud to the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in silent prayer to Him continually for your well-being as well as the well-being of those who are around you (Alma 16:35 CE). I pray continually for them by day, and my tears wet my pillow at night over them. I cry to God in faith, knowing He’ll hear my cry (2 Nephi 15:1 CE).