Biblical Answer

The purpose of prayer when we're suffering is multifaceted and deeply rooted in the Christian faith. According to the Bible, prayer is not primarily a means of getting what we want, but rather a means of getting ahold of God Himself. When we're suffering, prayer becomes a vital lifeline that connects us to the Eternal, allowing us to come to the throne of grace in the power of the Holy Spirit and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Prayer is also a means of nourishing the life of God within us. As the Bible teaches, we are called to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), that God may reward our faith in His righteous judgments. This suggests that prayer is not just a one-time event, but a continuous process of communication with God. Furthermore, the Lord Jesus Himself prayed to His Father for strength to meet the physical and spiritual rigors of daily life, demonstrating the importance of prayer in our lives (Matthew 26:39).

Ultimately, the purpose of prayer when we're suffering is to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we don't understand the reasons behind our suffering. As the Bible teaches, we can pray, "God, I don't know what you are doing, but you do, and that is enough." This humble acknowledgment of our limitations and trust in God's wisdom is a fundamental aspect of prayer, and it is precisely this kind of prayer that can bring us peace and comfort in the midst of suffering. By praying in this way, we can learn to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we don't understand the mysteries of suffering.