They Poured Out a Prayer
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.
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.
Text
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.
Sermon Outline
- The Greatest Antidote Against Troubles
- Prayer in the Midst of Chastening
- A Spirit of Prayer in Affliction
- Examples of Prayer in Trouble
- Praying for Sanctification in Affliction
Key Quotes
“They poured out a prayer.” — Thomas Brooks
“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!” — Thomas Brooks
“When a Christian is in trouble--then prayer is his food and drink.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- In times of trouble, pray more fervently and sincerely, and seek to get good by the rod rather than just seeking its removal.
- Pray for the sanctification of affliction, that it may be a purifying and refining fire in your life.
- Wean yourself from the world and seek to be more ripe for eternal glory through prayer and affliction.