Topical Bible: Prayer Under Affliction: Exhortation To

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Prayer under affliction is a profound theme throughout the Scriptures, serving as a vital means of communication with God during times of distress, suffering, and hardship. The Bible consistently exhorts believers to turn to prayer as a source of strength, comfort, and guidance when faced with trials.

Biblical Exhortations to Pray in Affliction

1. James 5:13 · "Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises." This verse directly encourages those who are suffering to engage in prayer, highlighting it as the appropriate response to affliction. Prayer is presented as a means to seek divine intervention and solace.

2. Psalm 50:15 · "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me." Here, God invites His people to call upon Him during times of trouble, promising deliverance and the opportunity to glorify Him through answered prayer.

3. Philippians 4:6-7 · "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This passage encourages believers to replace anxiety with prayer, assuring them of God's peace as they present their needs to Him.

4. 1 Peter 5:7 · "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." This exhortation emphasizes the personal care and concern God has for His people, inviting them to offload their burdens through prayer.

Examples of Prayer in Affliction

1. Hannah's Prayer (1 Samuel 1:10-11) · In her deep anguish over childlessness, Hannah prayed fervently to the LORD, making a vow and pouring out her soul. Her example demonstrates the power of earnest prayer in times of personal distress.

2. David's Prayers in the Psalms · The Psalms are replete with David's prayers during affliction. Psalm 34:17 states, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles." David's life exemplifies a continual turning to God in prayer amidst persecution and hardship.

3. Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-39) · Facing the agony of the cross, Jesus prayed earnestly in the Garden of Gethsemane, modeling submission to the Father's will even in profound distress.

Theological Insights

Prayer under affliction is not merely a ritualistic practice but a profound act of faith and dependence on God. It acknowledges human limitations and God's sovereignty, inviting His intervention and aligning the believer's heart with His purposes. Through prayer, believers find not only relief from their immediate troubles but also a deeper communion with God, who is their ultimate source of comfort and strength.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a habit of prayer, especially during times of affliction. This involves setting aside dedicated time for prayer, being honest and transparent with God about one's struggles, and trusting in His promises. Engaging with Scripture, such as the Psalms, can provide words and expressions for those who find it difficult to articulate their prayers in times of distress.

In summary, the exhortation to pray under affliction is a call to rely on God's unfailing love and faithfulness, trusting that He hears and responds to the cries of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 5:13
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... of the Word of God and prayer, that Christians ... to these things through temptation
and affliction, though these ... was commanded by God not under any circumstances ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

Prayer and Trouble (Continued)
... For our light affliction, which is ... tribulation is not only endured, but where there
is under it a ... of Peter in his First Epistle, in his strong prayer for those ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vi prayer and trouble continued.htm

A Second Discouragement in Prayer Opposite to Perseverance, to Wit ...
... 2. I do not, therefore, here under the term of ... press of them, not to relinquish prayer,
but to ... to suffer without murmuring such an affliction and visitation ...
/.../chapter vi a second discouragement.htm

A visit to the Harvest Field
... ingathering of it, to enforce the exhortation of the ... thrice to wrestle with God in
prayer, that he ... record that you were patient under affliction, resigned to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/a visit to the harvest.htm

An Exhortation to Love God
... flee from God; they would neither be under His rules ... upon us for the more earnest
prayer and endeavour ... not need patience, because there will be no affliction. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/an exhortation to love god.htm

Intercessory Prayer
... he supported his poor afflicted servant under the heaviest ... thou hast had a long
captivity in affliction. ... I would speak upon intercessory prayer thus"first ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ...
... would have no need of prayer, perseverance, exhortation ... Heretics have behaved similarly,
but under a good ... imprisonment, death or life, blessing or affliction. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/sixteenth sunday after trinity pauls.htm

An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I.
... "For our light affliction," we read ... suddenly trodden all the pomps of this life under
foot, and ... they were deceived, betook themselves again to prayer, and again ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/an exhortation to theodore after.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... Psalm 25:7). Again, "Look upon my affliction and my ... it, yet to assign to them any
other prayer than that ... a view than to imagine that each, under the influence ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity
... fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to ... with one accord, continued in prayer
and supplications. ... of those that shelter themselves under that glorious ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exhortation to peace and.htm