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  THEY POURED OUT A PRAYER
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: Fervent prayer is the greatest antidote against troubles in
life, and it is in times of affliction that a Christian's prayer is most
sincere and effective.

Topics: "Fervent Prayer", "Affliction and Growth"
Scripture References: Isaiah 26:16, Jonah 2:1

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Thomas Brooks emphasizes that fervent prayer is the greatest remedy for
life's troubles, particularly when faced with God's chastening. He
illustrates that true prayer emerges from deep distress, highlighting
biblical figures like Jonah, Daniel, and David, who prayed earnestly in
their times of trouble. Brooks encourages Christians to seek the
sanctification of their afflictions rather than merely wishing for their
removal, aiming for spiritual growth and readiness for eternal glory. He
asserts that the most sincere prayers often arise under the weight of
God's rod, leading to a deeper relationship with Him.

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CONTENT
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The greatest antidote against all the troubles of

this life, is fervent prayer.

"Lord, in trouble have they visited You; they

poured out a prayer when Your chastening

was upon them." Isaiah 26:16

"They poured out a prayer." Before, they would

say a prayer--but now, they poured out a prayer.

Saints never visit God more with their prayers

--than when He visits them most with His rod.

Saints never pray with . . .

that seriousness,

that spiritualness,

that heavenliness,

that humbleness,

that brokenness,

that fervency,

that frequency--as they do, when they are

under the mighty chastening hand of God!

A sincere Christian never prays so sweetly--as

when under God's rod. When a Christian is in

trouble--then prayer is his food and drink.

Oh, what a spirit of prayer was . . .

upon Jonah--when he was in the whale's belly; and

upon Daniel--when he was among the lions; and

upon David--when fleeing in the wilderness; and

upon the dying thief--when he was on the cross; and

upon Jacob--when his brother Esau came to meet him

with four hundred bloody cut-throats at his heels!

When a Christian is under great troubles, deep distresses,

and most extreme dangers; he should pray . . .

more for the sanctification of affliction--than its removal;

more to get off his sins--than to get off his chains;

more to get good by the rod--than to get free from the rod;

that his afflictions may be a purifying and refining fire,

that his heart may be low and his graces high,

that he may be more weaned from this world,

that he be more ripe for eternal glory.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/they-poured-out-a-prayer/
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