How to lament (grieve) in your prayers
We all feel, and those feelings are valid to God
The fact that we, at least in Western Christianity, are not taught how to grieve as faithful followers of Jesus…is a tragedy.
This isn’t true everywhere and for all “flavors” of Christianity, but it is true for most.
And yet…we have an entire book of Scripture dedicated to lament, sorrow, and grief.
And there are going to be times in your life when all hope seems completely and totally lost.
…and that’s okay…
As someone who has wrestled with anxiety, depression, and had to learn how to grieve time and time again in my short 30 years…
…please know that I empathize with you.
And Jesus does, too.
One of my favorite stories of Jesus is his reaction to the Temple in Jerusalem.
He flips tables, he crafts a whip to drive people out…because they were abusing the space meant to be where God’s Spirit touches creation and the people of God.
Jesus was angry. And he had every right to be.
And there are times in Scripture where we see God is angry. And that anger is terrifying.
And our own emotions can terrify us, as well.
Yet when Jesus asks us to pray “May your name be kept holy” he was reminding us that, as faithful followers of Jesus, we bear the name of God to those around us.
And, while there is nothing wrong with our emotions…we carry them in such a way that ultimately brings glory to God.
…so when a loved one dies…it’s okay to scream and yell and cry and sob. Because God is deeply saddened by that loss as well. And to deny those feelings is to deny what God has placed in you to feel and grieve.
Grief reminds us of something better. Grief gives us a glimpse into Heaven. Of what could be.
And our prayers bring us closer to God, even when we are sad and frustrated and angry.
My prayer for today
Our Father, help me to learn that my emotions and good and powerful. But also remind me that I bear your name and my reaction to those emotions reflect on you as well. Help us to know it’s okay to grieve and sob and ugly cry into our ice cream. Comfort us. Amen.
Remember
It’s okay to cry. It’s not something we are often given permission for…but it’s okay. God welcomes your tears…whether of joy or sadness or anger.