Try entering into lament with this three-part rhythm:
Part 1
Become present to the presence of God:
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:10-11)
Pause in silence before God. Practice breathing slowly and deeply. As you inhale, invite the Holy Spirit to fill every part of your being. As you exhale, release any burdens you are carrying into this time of prayer. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self -‘as is’ -before the presence of God.
Optional prayer of approach: “Though I am scored by suffering; furrowed, upturned, exposed- you seed new life in me. In your mercy, you have routed darkness, broken the chains that bound me, led me to a place of abundance… I have confidence in this: You who began a good work in me will bring it to completion in your good time.” (Endless Grace, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 129).
Part 2
Slowly read from Psalm 129 (The Message) out loud: (for audio versions click here)
1-4 “They’ve kicked me around ever since I was young”
—this is how Israel tells it—
“They’ve kicked me around ever since I was young,
but they never could keep me down.
Their plowmen plowed long furrows
up and down my back;
But God wouldn’t put up with it,
he sticks with us.
Then God ripped the harnesses
of the evil plowmen to shreds.”
5-8 Oh, let all those who hate Zion
grovel in humiliation;
Let them be like grass in shallow ground
that withers before the harvest,
Before the farmhands can gather it in,
the harvesters get in the crop,
Before the neighbors have a chance to call out,
“Congratulations on your wonderful crop!
We bless you in God’s name!”
Reflect on the psalm:
How does the psalmist describe his current trouble?
Name the range of emotions expressed in this psalm.
What are the pleas? What does the psalmist ask for?
Part 3
Pray your own lament psalm- for yourself, or on behalf of someone who is suffering in your world.
Describe the trouble in detail to God.
Express your honest emotions: "Lord, I am feeling sad about…; "… angry…; “… afraid…
Bring him your honest questions: "Lord, why….?; "How long, Lord, before you…?; "Where are you in…?
Make your plea to God: "Please, Lord…; "Remember back when you…; Do it again, Lord!”
The psalms were originally written as lyrics, as prayers set to music. Throughout the history of Israel and the church, the people of God have sung the psalms. Song invites us to internalize the Word of God with the whole self- body, mind, imagination, emotions and desires. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 129 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.
From the album ‘Songs for the Sojourn Vol 1’ (2019) by Cardiphonia. cardiphonia.bandcamp.com