KykNET Lent Guide 2023Sample

Week 3: Grieve

Day 5: Mourn with those who Mourn

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matt 5:4 NIV

“Cry with those who cry.” - Riz

A long time ago now, I decided to go on a retreat with a group of friends. We started this time together by reflecting on what was good in our lives. We shared what fills us with a lust for life. We also looked at the pain in our lives. We decided to make or find a symbol for our pain. A picture, a poem, a piece of art, or an image. We brought these symbols together and shared them with each other. It wasn’t long until the tears started flowing. We became fragile and vulnerable. It wasn’t easy, but it really brought us closer together.

What we found was that it really helped us process and work through our pain. For many of us, it was the first time ever we’d shared our pain in this way. To simply listen to each other in a safe space, where we’re not instructed what to do or say, or told that it isn’t as bad as we think, was so valuable. Some of us discovered that it wasn’t easy to simply sit and listen and be there in each other’s pain. This experience helped us realise that we really need each other and that it really helps to work through our pain with others.

Exercise:

Think about your pain. To whom can you share your pain? For whom can you be there, to listen and hold onto in their pain?

Repetition Prayer:

Lord, I ask for the grace of tears, to mourn my losses.