Praying When in Trouble

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 14, 1912

Praying When in Trouble

Lesson for the Children—No. 6

Praying When in Trouble

MEMORY TEXT: “Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” Ps. 50:15.

Should we wait till trouble comes before we call on God? A man who seldom prayed was overtaken by a cyclone. He thought his house would surely be blown down. Before this his wife had often pleaded that he would pray with her and the children. In the storm he

was terrified, and with trembling said to his wife, “O Fannie, let us kneel and pray.” She was not afraid, for she had faith that God would take care of them. After the storm was over, the man did not wish to pray any more than before. It is better to become acquainted with God before trouble comes, and then we can go to him as to a friend.

Instances of how frightened people feel in a shipwreck may be told, but their desire to pray then does not show that they repent of sin, or that they are willing to live different lives.

Jeremiah said that Israel would pray to idols when prospered, but in trouble they would call on the Lord, saying, “Arise, and save us.” Jer. 2:27, 28.

God is a friend to his people when they are in trouble. Give the story of Hezekiah. 2 Kings 18 and 19. Have a letter with you in which 2 Kings 19: 10-13 is written. Show how Hezekiah spread the letter before the Lord, and read his prayer. Verses 15-19. So we may spread our letters before God, and tell him our troubles.

Other instances of how God has delivered his people who trust him may be told as time and opportunity permit.

Then speak of the time of trouble. Children must meet it. If they have not learned lessons of faith and self-denial, and how to trust God now, they will be overwhelmed then.

There is coming a time of trouble for the wicked. There will be a great prayer-meeting then, but they will not be delivered. We are told in the Bible for what they will pray. Rev. 6:14-17. Refer to God’s promises to his people at that time. Psalm 91; Dan. 12:1; etc.

The special object of prayer may be that all Seventh-day Adventist children may be ready for the time of trouble.