A 5 Step Lament

Inter-generational Time 03/29/2020  

"Lament is not despair.  It is not whining.  It is not a cry into a void.
Lament is a cry directed to God.  It is the cry of those who see the truth of the world’s deep wounds and the cost of seeking peace.  It is the prayer of those who are deeply disturbed by the way things are.”  (Reconciling All Things p. 78)
 
A 5 Step Lament, A Spiritual Practice for all ages
 
CRY:  A one-word exclamation that you feel deeply about the issue or event you are lamenting about. You are asking God to hear you. (Enough!  Why?  How?  Help!  Stop!  Gah!)

 NAME:  One sentence naming what the Cry was about.  Try and be specific.  Nothing is too shocking or  too silly.  

ASK:  A Question.  What do you need or what do you want to happen?  What is your hope or wish? 

THANK:  Find something to give thanks about.  Where is God already at work?  God is not absent.

WATCH:  Waiting is part of the process.  Watchful waiting allows time to pass and hope to take root.  While you wait, what is one thing you can do now in response to your lament?  How can others lead you and/or how can you lead others?  Find a new way to walk back into life. 
 
The 5 steps of Lament are a fluid spectrum.  We may often find ourselves going through the process many times over for the same lament.  We may even get stuck in one step for a while before we can move forward.  The 5 steps of Lament can be a silent prayer practice, but it can also be a written or drawn creative process for those who prefer non-auditory practices or are non-verbal. 

We can Lament about things attached to ourselves (such as shame, fear, hurt or anger). 
We can Lament about things concerning our family and friends and the needs of others.
We can Lament about current events and global issues.
 
Lament is a practice that does not resolve it self immediately. Waiting for change, waiting for justice is always hard. Lamenting is a means to connect ourselves with God so that we might find clarity, peace, and be inspired to action.  

Psalm 130 vs. 5-6 (CEB)
5 I hope, Lord. 
My whole being hopes, 
and I wait for God's promise. 
6 May whole being waits for my Lord-
 More than the night watch waits for morning:
 Yes, more than the night watch waits for morning!