Topical Bible: Prayer Under Affliction: That we May be Turned to God

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Prayer under affliction is a profound theme throughout the Scriptures, serving as a means by which believers are drawn closer to God during times of suffering and distress. The Bible presents affliction not merely as a trial to be endured but as an opportunity for spiritual growth and a deeper reliance on the Lord.

Purpose of Affliction

Affliction often serves as a divine tool to redirect our focus and priorities, turning our hearts back to God. In Psalm 119:67, the psalmist acknowledges, "Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word." This verse highlights the corrective nature of affliction, suggesting that it can lead to repentance and a renewed commitment to God's commandments.

Prayer as a Response

In times of affliction, prayer becomes a vital response, allowing believers to express their dependence on God and seek His guidance and comfort. James 5:13 encourages, "Is any one of you suffering? He should pray." This directive underscores the importance of prayer as a means of seeking divine intervention and strength during hardships.

Examples from Scripture

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who turned to God in prayer during affliction. One notable example is King David, who frequently cried out to God in his distress. In Psalm 18:6, David declares, "In my distress I called upon the LORD, and 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 prayers reflect a deep trust in God's ability to deliver and sustain him.

Another example is the prophet Jonah, who, from the belly of the great fish, prayed to the Lord in his affliction. Jonah 2:2 records his prayer: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice." Jonah's prayer illustrates how affliction can lead to a renewed sense of dependence on God's mercy and deliverance.

Turning to God

Affliction can serve as a catalyst for turning to God, prompting believers to seek His presence and guidance. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God promises, "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." This passage emphasizes the transformative power of prayer and repentance in times of national and personal distress.

The Role of Faith

Faith plays a crucial role in prayer under affliction, as it enables believers to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness despite their circumstances. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith-filled prayer acknowledges God's ability to work all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Encouragement for Believers

Believers are encouraged to persist in prayer during affliction, trusting that God hears and responds to their cries. In 1 Peter 5:7, the apostle Peter exhorts, "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." This assurance of God's care provides comfort and hope, reminding believers that they are not alone in their suffering.

In summary, prayer under affliction is a powerful means by which believers can be turned to God, finding solace, strength, and guidance in His presence. Through prayer, affliction becomes an opportunity for spiritual renewal and a deeper relationship with the Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 80:7
Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause your face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 85:4-6
Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause your anger toward us to cease.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 31:18
I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; You have chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn you me, and I shall be turned; for you are the LORD my God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayer and Trouble
... who submit patiently to Him, who recognise Him in prayer, and who ... "Although affliction
cometh not ... When we realise this, we can the better under-stand much that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the essentials of prayer/v prayer and trouble.htm

Prosperity under Persecution
... Those terrible and bloody persecutions under the Roman ... do so; but when the waters
of affliction have covered ... Ask then, in prayer, and act accordingly, that the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... came to the inviting prophet and under its inspiration ... when he fails to defeat by
affliction and trouble ... do we need to be strengthened, through prayer, with the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

Constant, Instant, Expectant
... teach us that in time of affliction we should especially ... is more important than public
prayer under any aspects ... of a Christian; still public prayer often reacts ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/constant instant expectant.htm

Dwight -- the Sovereignty of God
... To God he was daily commended in fervent prayer. ... and your success through life are
not under your control ... When you pass through the waters of affliction He will ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/dwight the sovereignty of.htm

Treatise iv. On the Lord's Prayer.
... speech and petition when we pray be under discipline, observing ... was a witness to
the constant prayer and the ... when aided in the necessity of affliction by his ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise iv on the lords.htm

Sermon for Whit Sunday
... requests in faith, heard their prayer, and set ... on them, and through blessing and
affliction turned and disposed ... for God to bestow Himself under the limitations ...
/.../xix sermon for whit sunday.htm

Intercessory Prayer
... he supported his poor afflicted servant under the heaviest ... thou hast had a long
captivity in affliction. ... let me remind you that intercessory prayer has been ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Cheer for Despondency
... than there are who have to weep under the gentle ... those who are disconsolate about
present affliction, I thought ... class, upon the hearers in the house of prayer? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/cheer for despondency.htm

All Joy in all Trials
... and just then in answer to prayer strength is ... that sick chamber did the polishing;
under God's grace, that ... Affliction is the stone which our Lord Jesus throws ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/all joy in all trials.htm