The Gift of Lament for the Brokenhearted

11/14/2017

Opening Prayer

I cry aloud to God,
    aloud to God, and he will hear me.

In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;
    in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;
    my soul refuses to be comforted.

When I remember God, I moan;
    when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah

You hold my eyelids open;
    I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
-Psalm 77 1-4

  (silent reflection)

Confession of Sin

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin... Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
-Psalm 51: 1-2, 10-12

(Time of silence for confession of sin)

Thoughts for Reflection

Why do we celebrate together but so often suffer in silence?

What if our deepest pain is one of the greatest gift we can offer one another? If we can find the strength to remove our 'I'm okay mask' and invite others into our vulnerability.

“Sometimes suffering feels like a free fall,” But we can find hope and a way forward in Jesus, who displays the love of God by taking on our human suffering and anguish.

If we can discover the language of lament we will discover a kind of merciful undoing. While a lament may not change our circumstances, it will help clear up our misunderstandings about God… A lament is a pathway; it serves a purpose. But a lament denied turns into a lie and damages the soul

God, not only gives permission to lament but considers it worship. Lamentation is a vital aspect of a life in relation with God. Seventy percent of the psalmist’s words are words of lament. “Hear my prayer, O LORD,” the psalmist pleads. “Let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress." Lament is not a relinquishing of faith, but a cry in worship to the one who weeps with us.

The Words of Jesus

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
-John 16:33

(Silent reflection)

Prayers for Ourselves and Others

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, and he was heard because of his reverence.
-Hebrews 5:8

(Bring before God our own needs and the needs of others)

Closing Prayer

The Divine Embrace
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in Your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and Love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen!
-The Book of Common Prayer, 101

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