3 Nephi 19

Though we may not fully understand why Jesus's disciples in the Americas -

"...did pray unto Jesus, calling him their Lord and their God..."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 19:18)

...knowing that the Savior had already instructed -

"Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name..."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 18:19)

There is no question that throughout the Savior's ministry, there were many that praised Him, asked blessings of Him, inquired of Him, expressed gratitude to Him, and so forth.  In my mind, in a sense they did all "pray" to Him and worship Him.  Thus in my mind, Mormon used the word "pray".  The Savior Himself, in prayer, explained -

"...thou seest that they believe in me because thou hearest them, and they pray unto me; and they pray unto me because I am with them."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 19:22)

If the Savior was here today, I would worship him and vocally express my feelings and desires.