Getting Honest With God: Learn the 4 Practices of LamentSample

## Day # 1: Learning to Lament How do you pray when you suffer? Some believers feel pressured to polish their pain with God’s promises, tending more towards a positive reaction to their situation. Others find that their sorrow is so great that they can’t bring themselves to speak to God. The reality is that suffering is complex—and praying through pain is hard. But Scripture has not left us without a way forward. And you don't have to choose between silence or optimism. You can lament . Lament allows you to fight for hope by wrestling honestly with the Lord. Lament was how sufferers in the Bible struggled in the tension between their pain and God’s promises. They groaned boldly before God with heartfelt cries, probing questions, and desperate pleas. Sharing your hurts with God is what paves the way for lasting hope. While you can find believers lamenting throughout the Bible, the Psalms are filled with prayers that are both openly honest and God-honoring. The Psalms as a whole are meant to shape how we approach God—and the psalmists lament with great frequency and fluency. While each lament psalm is unique, they all contain similar elements of how to cry out to the Lord. Over the next four days, we’ll explore the four common rhythms of lament: explained pain, expressed protest, earnest petition, and eventual praise. Today, spend some time reading David’s prayer in Psalm 13 to get a taste of lament. Allow David’s honesty to encourage your own before the Lord. ## Reflection Questions How does Psalm 13 compare to the way you typically pray in pain? Why is it helpful to realize God invites such honesty and desperation? What difficulties do you face right now? What questions and requests do you have for the Lord?