Psalm 61 - 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: “Lord, I know you hear the cries of my heart- whisper to wail; from deepest dark to highest mountain- you are faithful to hear me when I reach for you, heavy with need; desperate for steady ground…. I am a wanderer upon the earth; an exile on a long journey home… What homeland have I but you? You are a citadel in a desert waste; a mountain island in a violent sea; a cleft in a rock as the storm passes. The one safe place.” (Sheltering Mercy, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 61).

Part 2

Slowly read Psalm 61 (NLT) out loud: (for audio versions click here)

1  O God, listen to my cry!
    Hear my prayer!
2 From the ends of the earth,
    I cry to you for help
    when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
3     for you are my safe refuge,
    a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
    safe beneath the shelter of your wings!

5 For you have heard my vows, O God.
    You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.
6 Add many years to the life of the king!
    May his years span the generations!
7 May he reign under God’s protection forever.
    May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him.
8 Then I will sing praises to your name forever
    as I fulfill my vows each day.

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?

  • How does this psalm give voice to the sufferings of Jesus Christ, who himself prays the psalms with us?

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

From the album ‘Psalms- Word for Word’ (2020) by Zac Fitzsimmons. zfitzsimmons.bandcamp.com