Definition and Significance:
Crying out to the LORD is a profound expression of faith and dependence on God, often characterized by earnest prayer, supplication, and a heartfelt plea for divine intervention. This act is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition, where individuals and communities turn to God in times of distress, seeking His mercy, guidance, and deliverance.

Biblical Instances:

1. The Israelites in Egypt:
The Israelites' cry to the LORD during their bondage in Egypt is one of the earliest and most significant examples. Exodus 2:23-24 states, "After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned under their slavery and cried out, and their cry for deliverance from slavery ascended to God. So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."

2. Hannah's Prayer:
Hannah's heartfelt plea for a child exemplifies personal crying out to the LORD. In 1 Samuel 1:10 , it is recorded, "In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears." Her prayer was answered with the birth of Samuel, demonstrating God's responsiveness to sincere cries.

3. David's Psalms:
King David frequently cried out to the LORD, as seen in the Psalms. Psalm 18:6 illustrates this: "In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears." David's life and writings reflect a continual reliance on God through prayer and supplication.

4. Jehoshaphat's Appeal:
When faced with a formidable enemy, King Jehoshaphat cried out to the LORD for help. 2 Chronicles 20:12 records his prayer: "O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." This cry led to divine intervention and victory.

5. The Early Church:
The early Christians also cried out to the LORD, especially in times of persecution. Acts 4:24 describes their collective prayer: "When they heard this, they lifted up their voices to God with one accord and said, 'Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them.'"

Theological Implications:

Crying out to the LORD is an acknowledgment of human limitation and divine sovereignty. It reflects a deep trust in God's power and willingness to intervene in human affairs. This act of faith is not merely a request for help but an expression of worship, recognizing God's ultimate authority and compassion.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to cry out to the LORD in their own lives, following the biblical examples. This involves earnest prayer, humility, and a sincere heart. It is a reminder that God is attentive to the cries of His people and is faithful to respond according to His will and purpose.

Conclusion:

While crying out to the LORD is often associated with times of trouble, it is also a practice that can deepen one's relationship with God, fostering a continual reliance on His grace and provision.