Did the Salaf have a practice of seeking forgiveness when understanding became difficult?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner says that Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) stated that if a matter or a need becomes difficult for him, he should seek Allah's forgiveness a thousand times. The question is: Is there any evidence for this from the Book or the Sunnah?

Answer:
Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) is required; dhikr is required. There is no doubt that the remembrance of Allah helps in fulfilling needs, helps in seeking knowledge, opens the mind, and strengthens memory; there is no doubt. Remember your Lord if you forget. Yes.