The Rescue—A Portion of Paul’s letter to Corinth

“All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort — we get a full measure of that, too.”

 “We don’t want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it.…we were forced to trust God totally…And he did it, rescued us from certain doom….”

 “You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation — I don’t want you in the dark about that either. I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God’s deliverance of us, a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part” (2 Cor 1:3,5,8-11 MSG)

“Paul felt that his trials might…give occasion for thanksgiving; and that this was to be accomplished by the aid of the prayers of his fellow Christians. He felt that the church was one, and that Christians should sympathize with one another” Barnes’ Notes (ref#16, [2 Cor 1:11]).

When our sisters and brothers are in deep affliction we are invited to enter in to GOD’s provision of comfort for them through our prayers. The “prayers of many obtain the gift; and the thanksgivings of many acknowledge the mercy” Adam Clark’s Commentary (ref#15, [2 Cor 1:11]).

We are instructed to mourn with those who mourn (Rom 12:15). Prayer is our obligation, for some their tribulation is so severe they cannot find the strength to pray for themselves.

Prayers for loved ones in tribulation have two parts—(a) prayers for helps during suffering, and (b) prayers for understanding suffering. They need prayers requesting encouragement—petitions to remind them of the Great Comforter. Our loved ones also need to know that what they are going through has a purpose—that there are reasons for their suffering. Our prayers echo the hope they have in GOD (ref#132, p31).

NOTE: All “Tribulation” entries are written for believers. GOD cannot answer prayers offered up for a non Christian. GOD first must regenerate him. So, if you want to pray for an unbeliever in tribulation, pray for his salvation for surely his tribulations are meant to drive him to GOD.