Topical Bible: Prayer in Distress

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Topical Encyclopedia

Prayer in distress is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the human condition of seeking divine intervention during times of trouble, fear, and uncertainty. The Scriptures provide numerous examples of individuals and communities turning to God in their moments of need, demonstrating faith and reliance on His power and mercy.

Old Testament Examples

1. Hannah's Prayer: In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah, deeply distressed by her barrenness and the taunts of her rival, turns to the Lord in fervent prayer. "In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears" (1 Samuel 1:10). Her heartfelt plea is met with divine favor, and she is blessed with a son, Samuel.

2. David's Lament: King David frequently cried out to God in distress, as seen in the Psalms. Psalm 18:6 captures this sentiment: "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 prayers often reflect a deep trust in God's deliverance and protection.

3. Hezekiah's Prayer: When King Hezekiah faced the threat of the Assyrian army, he turned to God in prayer. In 2 Kings 19:15-19, Hezekiah seeks the Lord's intervention, acknowledging His sovereignty and pleading for deliverance. The Lord responds by miraculously saving Jerusalem from destruction.

New Testament Examples

1. Jesus in Gethsemane: The ultimate example of prayer in distress is found in Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Facing imminent crucifixion, Jesus prays earnestly, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). His prayer reflects submission to the Father's will, even in profound anguish.

2. Paul and Silas in Prison: In Acts 16, Paul and Silas, imprisoned for their faith, pray and sing hymns to God. Despite their dire circumstances, they maintain their faith, and their prayers lead to a miraculous earthquake that frees them. This event demonstrates the power of prayer to bring about divine intervention and transformation.

Theological Insights

Prayer in distress is not merely a cry for help but an expression of faith and dependence on God. It acknowledges human limitations and God's omnipotence. The Bible encourages believers to approach God with confidence, as seen in Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" .

The Psalms, in particular, serve as a rich resource for understanding prayer in distress. They provide language for expressing a range of emotions, from despair to hope, and demonstrate that God is attentive to the cries of His people. Psalm 34:17 assures believers, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles" .

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to follow the biblical examples of prayer in distress by turning to God in their own times of trouble. The act of prayer fosters a deeper relationship with God, cultivates trust in His providence, and aligns the believer's will with His divine purposes. James 5:13 exhorts, "Is any one of you suffering? He should pray" , underscoring the importance of prayer as a response to life's challenges.

In summary, prayer in distress is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, offering comfort, strength, and hope in the midst of adversity. Through prayer, believers can experience God's presence and power, trusting in His unfailing love and faithfulness.

Nave's Topical Index

John 12:27
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I to this hour.
Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 5:7
Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears to him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Morning Prayer in Time of Distress.
... Morning Prayer In Time of Distress. IV. In Time of Distress. WRITTEN DURING
THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR. 12,14,6,14. Wenn ich in Angst und Noth. ...
/.../lyra germanica second series the christian life/morning prayer in time of 2.htm

The Lord's Prayer. Our Father who Art in Heaven.
... upon our lips as to how and what we should pray, that we may see how heartily He
pities us in our distress, and may never doubt that such prayer is pleasing to ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/the lords prayer our father.htm

The Prayer of the Regenerated.
... Or, to put it more comprehensively, the prayer of the saint requires three things: ...
Second, vivid impressions of his spiritual deadness and distress. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xlii the prayer of the.htm

Lyra Germanica: Second Series: The Christian Life
... Morning Prayer In Time of War and Persecution. Morning Prayer In Time of
Distress. Morning Prayer The Christian's Morning Sacrifice. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica second series the christian life/

Prayer for and with Each Other.
... For every prayer of intercession presupposes fellowship with them for whom we pray;
a fellowship which casts us into the same distress, and from which we look ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xliii prayer for and with.htm

Prayer and the Consciousness.
... Lastly, bodily distress prior to distress of the soul has often opened mute
lips in prayer before God. Families that were strangers ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xl prayer and the consciousness.htm

An Index to Find a Psalm Suited to Particular Subjects or ...
... the house and care of God, [172]135; of the Jews and Gentiles, [173]87; its increase,
[174]67; prayer in distress, [175]80; persecuted, see Persecution; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/an index to find a.htm

Prayer and Science
... That was a natural prayer, and a pious one, as far as it went: but it ... would not always
deliver poor mariners, even though they cried to him in their distress. ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon iii prayer and science.htm

LM "Sweet Hour of Prayer. "
... and wishes known; In seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief;
And oft escaped the tempter's snare, By thy return, sweet hour of prayer. ...
/.../a collection of gospel hymns in ojibway and english/hymn 24 l m sweet.htm

Sweet Hour of Prayer. LMD
... and wishes known: In seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief;
And oft escaped the tempter's snare, By thy return, sweet hour of prayer! ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/387 sweet hour of prayer.htm