WHY DO WE lament? What is a prayer of Lament?

Lament is a form of prayer that talks to God about our pain. It is a prayer in pain that leads to trust and is a biblical way to process grief. It gives us the opportunity to face and name our pain and then create space for future hope—all without glossing over tragedy. It allows us to cry and rage and even protest life’s difficulties to God and others without fear of judgment. It gives us permission to ask How God? Why God? It’s often raw and emotional. And that’s okay.

The Bible gives space for God’s people to do this. Over a third of the Psalms are written in this minor-key song. Some laments are personal. Others are corporate. Some are written because of sin issues. Others express a desire for justice. Lament psalms vary with the painful and dark circumstances of life.

Most laments include four elements or steps:

  1. Turn—an intentional address to God while in pain;

  2. Complain—a humble and blunt identification of what is wrong;

  3. Ask—petitioning God for help in light of his promises;

  4. Trust—a choice to have confidence in God’s grace.

Having a corporate prayer of lament as a regular rhythm for us allows us to pray an honest, biblical cry as we learn to express our grief over the suffering in this world and in our lives. Here are four reasons why we do this:

  1. Corporate lament creates space for grief

  2. Corporate lament teaches us empathy

  3. Corporate lament engages our emotions

  4. Corporate lament places our trust in God

The above is taken from 9marks.org & adapted from “Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy” by Mark Vroegop