Afflicted saints, those who endure trials, tribulations, and sufferings, are encouraged throughout Scripture to remain steadfast in prayer. Prayer serves as a vital lifeline, connecting believers to the divine source of strength, comfort, and guidance. The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations underscoring the importance of prayer, especially for those experiencing affliction.

Biblical Exhortations to Prayer

The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, emphasizes the necessity of persistent prayer. He writes, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer" (Romans 12:12). This verse highlights the triad of Christian virtues—hope, patience, and prayer—essential for enduring hardships. Prayer is not merely a ritualistic practice but a dynamic engagement with God, fostering resilience and hope.

James, the brother of Jesus, also underscores the power of prayer in times of suffering. He instructs, "Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises" (James 5:13). Here, prayer is presented as the appropriate response to suffering, a means of seeking divine intervention and solace.

Examples of Afflicted Saints in Prayer

The Psalms offer a rich tapestry of prayers from afflicted saints, providing both a model and a source of comfort for believers. King David, often beset by enemies and personal trials, frequently turned to prayer. In Psalm 34:17, he declares, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles" . David's life exemplifies the practice of seeking God earnestly in times of distress.

The prophet Daniel, another exemplar of faithfulness in affliction, maintained a disciplined prayer life despite facing persecution. Daniel 6:10 recounts, "Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before" . Daniel's unwavering commitment to prayer, even under threat of death, underscores its importance for the afflicted.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Prayer

The New Testament reveals the Holy Spirit's role in aiding believers in prayer, particularly during times of weakness and affliction. Paul writes 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" . This divine assistance assures afflicted saints that their prayers are heard and understood, even when they struggle to articulate their needs.

Encouragement for Afflicted Saints

Afflicted saints are encouraged to approach the throne of grace with confidence, as stated 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" . This invitation assures believers that God is both willing and able to provide the necessary support and relief.

In summary, the biblical mandate for afflicted saints to be frequent in prayer is clear and compelling. Through prayer, believers find strength, comfort, and guidance, drawing closer to God amidst their trials. The examples of faithful saints, coupled with the promises of Scripture, serve as a powerful encouragement to maintain a vibrant prayer life, trusting in God's faithfulness and provision.Psalm 50:15-17
And call on me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... For your devotional exercises, you should select those ... which, by proper watchfulness,
and frequent draughts at ... of his requirement; that afflicted saints may be ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Spiritual Desolation.
... Hence, in this life the saints neither desired nor sought ... thy will that I should
be thus afflicted for all ... Finally, we should be united to God's will in regard ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/6 spiritual desolation.htm

The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth.
... other affliction but this." If God had afflicted thee where ... to die, that we may possess
the saints' rest. ... to miss of blessedness, except God should translate us ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter x the saints rest.htm

Describes an Effect which Proves the Prayer Spoken of in the Last ...
... Martin; [315] should these desires become very oppressive ... such uneasiness as we feel
when afflicted concerning any ... King.' [324] So felt other saints who retired ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter vi describes an effect.htm

Weak Hands and Feeble Knees
... out being hard and untender towards those who are so afflicted. ... Why look upon the
saints of olden time as if ... These are some reasons why we should look well to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/weak hands and feeble knees.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... Had we rather be still afflicted, than be up and doing ... and will one day justify the
diligence of the saints. ... He is grieved when we resist him; and should we not ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

Counsel for Outward Behaviour.
... permit ourselves to be harassed and afflicted by them ... was on this account that the
saints sighed continually ... We should be particularly careful as regards those ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/ii counsel for outward behaviour.htm

The Nature of Heavenly Contemplation; with the Time, Place, and ...
... of divine things; or when we are afflicted or tempted; or ... but only upon the ravishing
glory of saints, and the ... How oft it should be I cannot determine, because ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiii the nature of.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... the groans of those who unjustly afflicted implore his aid ... however, is no reason
why believers should deviate from ... shrewdly remarks, "How do the saints pray in ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

Intercession Every Christian's Duty
... When Daniel humbled and afflicted his soul, and interceded ... to stand in the gap, we
should soon be ... frequent employment even of the glorified saints: for though ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/intercession every christians duty.htm

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