Psalm 130 - A Psalm of Lament (Disorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

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: “Father, I am so deep in the depths of the dark, so pressed down, covered over, long-forgotten, that sun and sky and light and laughter seem like nothing more than a dim dream. But could it be that even here my cries do not fall on deaf ears? That even in this quiet grave, you are- somehow- with me?” (Endless Grace, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 130).

Part 2

Slowly read Psalm 130 (NIV) out loud: (for audio versions click here)

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;

2     Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
    to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
    Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
    so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
6 I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.

7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
    for with the Lord is unfailing love
    and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel
    from all their sins.

Reflect on the psalm:

  • How does the psalmist describe his current trouble?

  • Name the range of emotions expressed in this psalm.

  • What honest questions are asked?

  • 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 130 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.

from The Psalm Library (2021) by CJ Armstrong and Kip Fox. Center for Worship Leadership, Concordia University Irvine.

from the album ‘Hymns Alive’ (2019) by Shane and Shane. shaneandshane.com

from the album ‘Amazing Love’ (2015) by Trinity Church. trinitychurchnashville.bandcamp.com