Lament: A Powerful Act of Worship

A Reflection for Sunday, December 1, 2024 by Rev. Julia Styles

This is the first of a series of 25 reflections for Advent and Christmas. Download the entire Prayerful Reflections devotional here.

Lectionary reading for 12/1/2024: Psalm 25:1-10, Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36  Selected passage for reflection: Psalm 25

Read

Psalm 25 NRSVUE

Of David.

1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.2 O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.5 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.

6 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!

8 Good and upright is the Lord;Therefore he instructs sinners in the way.9 He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble his way.10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

Reflect

Psalm 25 is a poignant example of lament, a heartfelt cry to God in times of suffering and pain. Attributed to David, it is a poetic expression of his distress during a period of intense persecution. In verses 16-19, he pours out his heart to God: "16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.Relieve the troubles of my heart,and bring me[a] out of my distress.Consider my affliction and my trouble,and forgive all my sins. Consider how many are my foes and with what violent hatred they hate me."  

David's honest and vulnerable expression of pain invites us to reflect on our own experiences of suffering. When faced with adversity, how do we respond? Do we turn to God with our lament, or do we suppress our emotions?

Many mistakenly believe that God doesn't want to hear our complaints or anger. However, Scripture reveals a different truth. Over half of the psalms are laments, demonstrating that lament is a vital part of the human experience. It's a powerful form of prayer and worship that draws us closer to God during times of great suffering and pain. Lament allows us to be honest and vulnerable with God, acknowledging our pain and seeking His comfort and guidance. Just as we offer God praise and thanksgiving, we should also bring our lament before Him. By doing so, we honor our humanity and deepen our relationship with the Divine.

Today, I deeply resonated with David's lament. After the election, I have felt a profound sense of pain, disappointment, and anger. Inspired by the psalmist, I decided to express my feelings through writing. This practice allowed me to acknowledge my pain rather than suppressing it. It enabled me to be honest with God and with myself. In my own words (three pages worth), I wrote, “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.  O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.” By putting my grief into a creative outlet I gave myself space to hurt and to heal.

Whether you are experiencing a personal obstacle, grieving a communal loss, or angered by injustice, take your laments to the God who listens with compassion and patience. 

Respond

With the Psalmist David as your example, set aside some time to creatively express your pain to God. It could be in a poem, a song, or a simple journal entry.

Or if it’s difficult to access words, consider channeling your pain into a painting, collage, or dance. Not ready to express your own pain? Find some songs that reflect your mood and listen as a meditative practice, noticing if there are any phrases that stand out to you.

Rest

God who listens, thank you for hearing my cries. Help me to accept my emotions, and rise above whatever ugliness I encounter. God your goodness reminds me to channel my energy into acts of love, joy, and healing. May the fruits of your spirit be my resistance and protest in these uncertain times. Amen.

About the Author

Reverend Julia Styles is a community minister, ordained through FCM. Julia is a spiritual director who enjoys meeting with people one-on-one to listen to their stories and encourage them in their faith journey. A firm believer in the power of community, Julia uses her leadership gifts to build a community of moms to support one another in faith, life and parenting in the Atlanta area. Find out more www.themom.co/groups/oakgrove.