In the book of James, we are given practical areas in which prayer is important. First, James tells us we should pray when we're afflicted: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray" (James 5:13 NKJV). When we find ourselves in trying circumstances, the temptation is to blame someone for our circumstances, to even become mad at God for allowing this in our lives, or to wallow in self-pity. 

But what does God tell us we should do when we are in trouble? We should pray. Why? By simply bringing our troubles before God and acknowledging our dependence on him, He can lift that problem we are presently facing. Prayer also can give us the grace we need to endure our troubles and be brought much closer to God.

When troubles come, one thing we might pray for is wisdom. James tells us earlier in his epistle, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5)