LAMENT

lament is a form of prayer. It is more than just the expression of sorrow or
the venting of emotion. Lament talks to God about pain. And it has a unique purpose: trust. It is a divinely-given invitation to pour out our fears, frustrations, and sorrows for the purpose of helping us process grief, connect to the sacred, and seek God in sorrow with the hope we can find our way into trusting God again.

You may choose to light a candle, light mulitple candles (maybe one for each victim) or just silently read Psalm 13 below and say a prayer.

To practice Lament:

1. Turn to God. Talk to God about what is happening

2. Bring your complaint

3. Ask boldly for help

4. Ask or choose to trust God for help

You may want to pray Psalm 13:

How long will you forget me, Lord? Forever?

    How long will you hide your face from me?

  How long will I be left to my own wits,

    agony filling my heart? Daily?

How long will my enemy keep defeating me?

  Look at me!

    Answer me, Lord my God!

Restore sight to my eyes!

    Otherwise, I’ll sleep the sleep of death,

          and my enemy will say, “I won!”

        My foes will rejoice over my downfall.

  But I have trusted in your faithful love.

    My heart will rejoice in your salvation.

  Yes, I will sing to the Lord

    because he has been good to me.