Perspective Shift through Persistent Prayer in Difficult Times
Persistent prayer, particularly during difficult times, is presented in biblical texts as a means of seeking divine intervention and can lead to a shift in one's perspective. The act of prayer itself is described as converse with God, an intercourse of the soul with God through direct address [6]. This can be oral or mental, occasional or constant, and ranges from ejaculatory prayers to formal supplications [6].
Scripture encourages believers to continue steadfastly in prayer, even in the midst of troubles [3, 4]. The prophet Daniel, for instance, is depicted as setting aside specific time for prayer and supplication, directing his focus towards "the Lord God" [9]. This practice is not merely a request for relief but an act of seeking God's presence and support [5]. The Psalms frequently express this sentiment, with the psalmist crying out to God daily, spreading out hands in supplication, and acknowledging eyes dim from grief [2]. Such prayers often include pleas for God to consider one's trouble, to not turn away, and to provide comfort and direction [5, 8].
The content of these prayers often reflects a deep yearning for divine intervention and a change in circumstances. Petitions include asking for the Holy Spirit not to be withdrawn, for divine comfort, for mitigation of troubles, and for deliverance from both affliction and sin [5]. There is also a desire for divine teaching and direction, and for one's heart to be turned towards God [5]. This persistent engagement with God through prayer can foster a change in outlook. For example, Psalm 119:37 contains a prayer to "Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways" [1]. This suggests that through prayer, an individual seeks to reorient their focus from worldly distractions or despair to God's ways, thereby experiencing a spiritual revival.
The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of prayer in all circumstances, including affliction [5]. The apostle Paul encourages believers to rejoice in hope, endure in troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer [4]. This continuous prayer is to be accompanied by thanksgiving [3]. The "Lord's Prayer," as taught by Jesus, serves as a model of simplicity and a succinct expression of faith, contrasting with "vain repetition" [7]. It addresses God as Father, a rare practice in Jewish prayer at the time, and includes petitions for God's name to be kept holy, acknowledging that sin can profane it [7]. This model prayer itself can guide one's perspective, focusing on God's holiness and will.
Sources
- Psalms “Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways. -- Psalms 119:37”
- Psalms “My eyes are dim from grief. I have called on you daily, Yahweh. I have spread out my hands to you. -- Psalms 88:9”
- Colossians “Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; -- Colossians 4:2”
- Romans “rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; -- Romans 12:12”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Prayer — Is converse with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him. Prayer may be oral or mental, occasional or constant, ejaculatory or formal. It is a "beseeching the Lord" (Ex. 32:11); "pouring out the soul before the Lord" (1 Sam. 1:15); "praying and crying to heaven" (2 Chr. 32:20); "seeking unto God and making supplication" (Job 8:5); "drawing near to God" (Ps. 73:28); "bowing the knees" (Eph. 3:14). Prayer presupposes a belief in the personality of God, his ability and willingness to hold inter”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 6:9: 6:9-13 The Lord’s Prayer is similar in form to a common Jewish prayer (the qaddish). Jesus gave this prayer to his followers as a succinct expression of their new faith. 6:9 Pray like this: In contrast to the vain repetition of pagan prayers (6:7-8), “the Lord’s Prayer” is a model of simplicity. • Jews rarely addressed God as Father, but Jesus did so in every prayer but one (Mark 15:34). • may your name be kept holy: God’s name is profaned by the sin of his people (Isa 29:22-24; Jer 34:15-16; Ezek 39:7; Amos 2:7).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 102:1: Ps 102 A frail and afflicted human being prays for the Lord’s compassion on Jerusalem and for his presence with its inhabitants. 102:1-2 The psalmist appeals to the Lord not to turn away (or hide your face). Israel experienced his turning his face away during their exile.”
- Daniel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Daniel 9:3: And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications,.... He set apart some time on purpose for this service, distinct from his usual stated times of prayer, as well as from his civil business and employment; and he not only set his face toward Jerusalem, as he used to do, Dan 6:10, the more to affect his mind with the desolations the city and temple lay in; but towards the Lord God, the sovereign Lord of all, who does according to his will in heaven and in earth, the Governor of the universe, the one true God, Father, Son, and Spirit: and this deno”