Topical Encyclopedia Prayer under affliction is a profound expression of faith and reliance on God during times of suffering and distress. Throughout the Bible, believers are encouraged to seek divine comfort and strength through prayer, trusting in God's sovereignty and compassion.Biblical Foundation The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the importance of prayer during affliction. In the Old Testament, the Psalms are replete with prayers of lament and supplication. David, often in distress, cries out to God for relief and comfort. In Psalm 34:17-18 , it is written, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit." This passage underscores the assurance that God is attentive to the cries of His people and is near to those who are suffering. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks to the power of prayer in affliction. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 , Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." Here, Paul highlights not only the comfort God provides but also the purpose of that comfort—to equip believers to support others in their afflictions. Theological Insights Prayer under affliction is an acknowledgment of human frailty and the need for divine intervention. It is an act of humility, recognizing that true comfort and peace come from God alone. Theologically, this practice is rooted in the understanding of God's character as compassionate and merciful. The believer's relationship with God is deepened through prayer, as it fosters a dependence on His grace and provision. The Book of Job offers a profound narrative on suffering and divine comfort. Job's dialogues with God reveal the complexity of human suffering and the mystery of God's ways. Despite his intense afflictions, Job ultimately finds solace in God's presence and sovereignty, as seen in Job 42:2-6 , where Job acknowledges God's omnipotence and repents in humility. Practical Application For believers today, prayer under affliction serves as a vital spiritual discipline. It is a means of casting one's burdens upon the Lord, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:7 : "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." This act of casting anxieties is both a release and a declaration of trust in God's care and provision. In times of affliction, believers are encouraged to pray with honesty and vulnerability, bringing their pain and questions before God. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this process, as described in Romans 8:26 : "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words." The Spirit's intercession provides comfort and guidance, even when words fail. Community and Support Prayer under affliction is not solely an individual endeavor but is also supported by the community of faith. James 5:13-16 instructs believers to pray for one another, particularly in times of suffering: "Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord." This communal aspect of prayer emphasizes the role of the church in providing support and encouragement to those in distress. In summary, prayer under affliction for divine comfort is a central theme in the Christian faith, offering believers a pathway to experience God's peace and presence amidst life's challenges. Through prayer, individuals are invited to draw near to God, trusting in His unfailing love and compassion. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 4:6There be many that say, Who will show us any good? LORD, lift you up the light of your countenance on us. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 119:76 Library The Christian Struggling under Great and Heavy Affliction. Prayer and Trouble The Psalms of David Evening Prayer for a Family. The Comforts Belonging to Mourners Epistle vii. To the Clergy, Concerning Prayer to God. A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick. The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts A Second Discouragement in Prayer Opposite to Perseverance, to Wit ... Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge. Resources What does the Bible say about affliction? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from Psalm 119? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12)? | GotQuestions.org Affliction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Consolation Under Affliction by Ministers of the Gospel Consolation Under Affliction in Prospect of Death Consolation Under Affliction is a Cause of Praise Consolation Under Affliction is Abundant Consolation Under Affliction is Everlasting Consolation Under Affliction is Sought in Vain from the World Consolation Under Affliction is Strong Consolation Under Affliction: Christ is the Author and Giver of Consolation Under Affliction: God is the Author and Giver of Consolation Under Affliction: Pray For Consolation Under Affliction: Promised Consolation Under Affliction: Saints should Administer to Each Other Consolation Under Affliction: The Holy Spirit is the Author and Giver of Consolation Under Affliction: Through the Holy Scriptures Consolation Under Affliction: To the Persecuted Consolation Under Affliction: To the Poor Consolation Under Affliction: To the Sick Consolation Under Affliction: To the Tempted Consolation Under Affliction: To the Troubled in Mind Consolation Under Affliction: To Those Deserted by Friends Consolation Under Affliction: To Those Who Mourn for Sin Consolation Under Affliction: Under the Infirmities of Age Prayer Under Affliction for Deliverance Prayer Under Affliction for Divine Comfort Prayer Under Affliction for Divine Teaching and Direction Prayer Under Affliction for Increase of Faith Prayer Under Affliction for Mercy Prayer Under Affliction for Mitigation of Troubles Prayer Under Affliction for Pardon and Deliverance from Sin Prayer Under Affliction for Protection and Preservation from Enemies Prayer Under Affliction for Restoration to Joy Prayer Under Affliction for the Presence and Support of God Prayer Under Affliction: Exhortation To Prayer Under Affliction: That God Would Consider Our Trouble Prayer Under Affliction: That the Holy Spirit May not be Withdrawn Prayer Under Affliction: That we May be Quickened Prayer Under Affliction: That we May be Taught the Uncertainty of Life Prayer Under Affliction: That we May be Turned to God Prayer Under Affliction: That we May Know the Causes of Our Trouble Related Terms |
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