Praying in Distress

2025-08-24

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Psalm 102 What do you do with your pain? We find lots of wrong ways to deal with it. We moan and wallow in self-pity. We get angry with God. We criticize others and blame them. We try to pull others into our pain with us. These may help bring a form of relief. But it is not permanent relief. It is only an illusion. The psalmist teaches us to pray through our pain. Verse 17 explains why. he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer. (Psalm 102:17) God regards the...

Psalm 102

What do you do with your pain? We find lots of wrong ways to deal with it. We moan and wallow in self-pity. We get angry with God. We criticize others and blame them. We try to pull others into our pain with us. These may help bring a form of relief. But it is not permanent relief. It is only an illusion. The psalmist teaches us to pray through our pain. Verse 17 explains why.

he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer. (Psalm 102:17)

God regards the prayer of the destitute. Take your pain to God.

The New Testament instructs us more specifically,

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7)

The Psalms show us how to do this in the midst of real despair. They coach us and prepare us for such moments.

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