Charles Spurgeon Commentary Lamentations 3:8

"Yea, when I cry, and call for help, he shutteth out my prayer." — Lamentations 3:8 (ASV)

Also when I cry and shout, he shuts out my prayer,

Which was the worst trial of all.

Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer.

What a sorrow is this—to feel that even prayer itself is unavailing! Yet this suppliant was no graceless sinner; he was a dear child of God, one of the noblest of the Lord's ancient prophets, one of the most faithful of his ministers. You must not think, because sometimes your prayers seem to be unheard or unheeded, and you are allowed to continue in sorrow, that therefore the Lord does not love you. Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth; and that word scourgeth is a very strong one, meaning much more than just an ordinary whipping.

Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer.

That is the worst trial of all, for there is comfort in prayer; but when even that seems denied you, into what a terrible state of sorrow is your heart brought!