Although prayer is traditionally regarded as a way of expressing love and appreciation for the Lord Almighty, crying can also be included in this important sacrament. Crying when praying is a way of making our request or prayer more heartfelt and engaging to the Lord. It comes from our innermost depths and it may help to draw closer to God. What does the Bible have to say about crying when praying?
The Bible explicitly mentions crying in many places. According to the book of John 11:35, Jesus wept when his friend Lazarus died. There are countless instances of people crying out to God in the Bible. Psalm 56:8 says ‘ you keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.’ We can see how God views crying in prayer as very important and meaningful.
Crying is a way of pouring out heartache and pain to God. It is a powerful way to show our humility and faith. In Psalm 34:18, the Bible states “The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” This is a reminder that God is always ready to help us in times of need. Similarly, in Isaiah 30:19, we read “People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help”. This verse encourages us to cry out to God in our distress so that he may come to our aid.
Crying can help us to pray more effectively. Tears can also be a way to forgive and move on from a painful situation. In Luke 23:34, Jesus said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” This gives us a powerful lesson about how we can forgive and move on with our lives. Finally, the Bible tells us to not be afraid of crying in prayer because God will always listen to our prayers. In Romans 8:15, it says “If we cry out to him, he will hear us.”
Crying in times of Joy
Crying can also be a sign of joy and happiness. In Luke 19:41, when Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the people shouted and cried with joy. This shows us that tears are also an expression of joy. Similarly, in Psalm 126:6, the Bible says “Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” This verse is an encouragement to us to trust in God, who can change our sadness into joy.
Crying as a way of worshipping
In the Bible, we also read of people crying out to God in worship. In Psalm 18:6, it says “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help.” This verse is a reminder to us that we can cry out to God in worship. Moreover, in Hebrews 5:7, it says “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death.” This passage tells us that Jesus himself prayed with tears.
How to pray with tears
If you feel called to pray with tears, it is important to remember to trust in the Lord Almighty. When you feel yourself getting emotional, try to focus on the needs of your heart, and allow your emotions to express themselves in prayer. Speak directly to God and ask him to help you in whatever situation you are in. Pray with confidence, and trust in God’s power to heal your inner wounds.
Conclusion
Crying when praying can be a powerful way to make a connection with God. In the Bible, crying is mentioned many times as a way of expressing love and joy, as well as distress and sorrow. The Bible tells us that God is listening when we cry out to him. We can use crying as a way to pray more effectively and to worship God in a deeper way.
Giving Thanks for Answered Prayers
When God answers our prayers, it is important to give thanks. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” We can use our tears of joy to express gratitude for the answered prayers.
Crying During Lamentations
The Bible also talks about crying during special times of prayer and reflection. In the book of Lamentations, the Israelites cry out to God in distress and sorrow. The book is full of heartache and sorrow, and it is seen as a form of prayer and petition to God. Even though the people were in a difficult situation, they still looked to God.
Expressing Our Hearts Through Crying
The Bible encourages us to cry out to God in prayer. Crying can be a way to express our sorrow or gratitude for the many blessings God gives us. We can pour out our hearts to God and trust that he will always hear us. In times of distress, we can turn to God in prayer with our tears, and know that he will always listen and help us.
