Prayer and Suffering

One thing we all understand about being human is that everyone experiences suffering. And when we suffer intensely, it is very easy to turn to all kinds of negative coping mechanisms to help lessen our pain. While this seems very natural, as Christians we must always remember that there is a better alternative. This better alternative that I am talking about, as you can tell by the title, is prayer.

Would you believe that praying, especially in times of suffering, is one of the most proactive things you can do? At first glance, this seems very hard to believe. However, I think the reason we think this way is primarily because we have been formed by the culture more so than we have been formed by the Scriptures. As Christians, though, our response to suffering needs to be different. So let’s explore why prayer is so essential to turn towards immediately when suffering comes knocking.

Connecting With God When We Suffer

Prayer is not a passive act. When we engage with God in prayer, we are active participants. So it makes sense that when we are going through suffering, we would turn to God in prayer and rely on His strength and not our own. Psalm 46:1 reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. So if God is our “strength” and “present help” when we are dealing with trouble, we would be wise to connect with God in prayer immediately when new suffering arises in our life.

Relinquishing Control and Trusting God While Suffering

A lot of times when we suffer intensely, we realize how little control we have as human beings. Nevertheless, if we are honest with ourselves, most of us have a hard time trusting God and relinquishing control of our lives when we are going through sufferings of various kinds. However, submitting to God and trusting Him in the midst of our sufferings is the example that Jesus set for us in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-36). Jesus prayed and then submitted to the Father’s will despite the suffering that he was unjustly experiencing. Praying during times of suffering helps us to put off all forms of self-reliance and surrender to a good God who is with us throughout all dark nights in life (Joshua 1:9).

Prayer Builds Resilience and Perspective During Suffering

In James 1:2-4, it says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” I’ve never liked these verses that much, to be honest, because I really don’t like the idea of finding joy in trials. However, I do like the idea of becoming a more resilient Christian—especially in prayer. And the truth is that suffering is one of the best teachers of perseverance we have available. And as we grow in perseverance, our perspective when we pray (if we do it often when we are suffering) is able to change, and we are able to look towards the future. A future where God will wipe away every tear and there will be no more pain or suffering (Revelation 21:4).

Conclusion

Turning to prayer first when going through suffering takes a lot of practice. Remember this, and don’t be too hard on yourself when your natural tendency is to first turn to other things. Like most things in life, it’s going to take practice and discipline to get to the point where prayer is what you primarily turn to. Nevertheless, over time, peace, understanding, and contentment will take root in your prayer life, and you will see how valuable this tool is to utilize when going through suffering.

Who We Are: 

Pray for Zero exists to accelerate Bible translation by rallying a global movement of prayer warriors committed to praying until every person has His Word in their heart language. We seek to encourage believers in their walk with the Lord, while also equipping you with tools to pray for the Bibleless. Learn more and join our movement of 61,000+ prayer warriors here.

As part of your daily time with God, you can pray through our weekly Prayer Journal where we share specific stories and prayer requests from around the world related to Bible translation. Subscribe to receive the Prayer Journal weekly in your inbox here.