On Lament

Good morning.
You may have read the Time Magazine article by N.T. Wright that’s been circulating. If you haven’t, I’d encourage you to take a moment and do so. It’s powerful. (You can read it HERE.) In the article, Wright talks about lament, a practice many of us are likely unfamiliar with and at the very least are uncomfortable with. Sitting still in the midst of our devastation and calling out to God as we sense His absence does not feel like a particularly Christian way to behave, after all. But God is not uncomfortable with our lament. I believe he welcomes it.

Last year, my friend Aubrey came out with a book on lament called The Louder Song. It’s a beautiful book. This is what she says about lament…

“Lament, a crying out of the soul, creates a pathway between the Already and the Not Yet. Lament minds the gap between current hopelessness and coming hope. Lament anticipates new creation but also acknowledges the painful reality of now. Lament helps us hold onto God’s goodness while battling evil’s evil at the same time.” 

She also says…

“True lament can only happen in the confines of a safe, loving covenantal relationship, whereby we are free to be our truest selves without fear that our partner will walk away or stop loving us……When Christians lament, we do so to a God who lets us. Our cries—even our cries of doubt and despair—fall on his loving, listening ears.”

There are many examples of lamenting prayers throughout scripture. You could start by reading Psalm 22. Borrow some of these words and call out to God. There is healing to be found in the depths of lament. Jesus will meet us there.

Thoughtfully,

Kate