Lament
Lament isn’t a word we hear used often. Other related words are more common: grief, mourning, sorrow, sadness. Human beings all experience profound sadness or loss that cause us to cry out in anguish. Entire communities also lament. Much of the Old Testament was written during a time of forced exile and we find many examples of laments in the Bible, such as when Jesus lamented the death of his friend Lazarus and the state of his people.
Jewish and Christian faith connect lament and hope. Through studying this practice, participants will learn how the laments in the Old Testament express raw emotion, but also confidence that God is listening and will eventually set things right. For Christians, Jesus’ death was not permanent. God raised him from the dead, showing that the forces of life ultimately prevail. While much of American culture does not encourage lament, there can be healing in lament. Having recognized its value, our faith ancestors developed and utilized the ritual of lament both in public worship and personal prayers. This unit focuses on four practices in the ritual of lament, including name wounds, weep and wail, remember the crucified one, and dance between lament and hope.
Adult Leader's Guide
This leader’s guide uses the Adult Reflection Guide to lead a small group study on the practice. This guide contains a summary of the practice and the four (or six) sessions, background information on the Bible study for the session, and any preparation the leader may need to do ahead of the session. There are different options of activities and discussions to choose from throughout the session. Participants are asked to read through the Adult Reflection Guide, if possible, before each session. There are other great resources for adults in the Congregational Guide.
Featured in the Adult Leader’s Guide:
Name Wounds (Psalm 137:1–6; Lamentations 3:43–48)
Weep and Wail (Luke 23:26–31)
Remember the Crucified One (1 Corinthians 11:23–25)
Dance Between Lament and Hope (Lamentations 5:19–22)
