One of the themes that stood out for me as I studied 3 Nephi 17-19 was how the Savior taught about prayer, both by reiteration and by example. He emphasized this in 3 Nephi 17 and 18, as he spoke to the multitude of 2,500 men, women, and children.
In 3 Nephi 17:3, the Savior said, "Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again."
The Savior then reiterated asking of the Father by being an example, as he knelt down and prayed before the multitude.
In 3 Nephi 17:16-17, it says "And after this manner do they bear record: The eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard, before, so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto the Father; And no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as we both saw and heard Jesus speak; and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father."
The Savior specifically called out that his prayer was a model for the multitude in 3 Nephi 18:15-16 as he emphasizes that we need to "watch and pray always," and that he is "the light, I have set an example for you."
He talked in 3 Nephi 19:7-10 about praying in the Lord's name, praying as individuals, and praying as families. In 3 Nephi 19, he said the word "pray" over 20 times as he both prayed to the Father and taught about prayer.
He also emphasized that if someone was unworthy to take the sacrament, we shouldn't cast them out but "minister unto him and ... pray for him unto the Father." (3 Nephi 18:30, 32).
Reflecting upon the current state of the world, and in the October 2020 session of General Conference last weekend, Elder M. Russell Ballard stated, "During the past few months I have had the impression come to me that the best way to help the current world situation is for all people to rely more fully upon God and to turn their hearts to Him through sincere prayer. Humbling ourselves and seeking heaven's inspiration to endure or conquer what is before us will be our safest and surest way to move confidently forward through these troubling times." (Watch Ye Therefore, and Pray Always.)
He continues, "The world's current chaotic situation may seem daunting as we consider the multitude of issues and challenges. But it is my fervent testimony that if we will pray and ask Heavenly Father for needed blessings and guidance, we will come to know how we can bless our families, neighbors, communities, and even the countries in which we live. The Savior prayed and then He 'went about doing good" ... He continues to reach out to us."
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