Connect:
- When you think of lament, what song comes to mind?
Discuss:
- Read Psalm 13. Have you ever identified with David’s cry of “How long, Lord?” If you feel comfortable, share the reason for this/the burden you were wrestling with.
- What keeps you from honestly praying to God in your pain? How does honesty in your pain and suffering add to/inform your theology of suffering? How does only focusing on thanksgiving and rejoicing, like the evangelical church tends to do, potentially cause more harm?
- Consider the four parts of a lament psalm: Crying out, Appealing openly, Asking boldly, Trusting fully. Which one is easiest for you? Where might you get stuck? What happens if you don’t get to the last stage?
- What is the difference between a complaint and a lament? (Hint: remember the Israelites in the desert). Which is easier – complaining or lamenting? How can you turn a complaint into a lament?
- Read Hebrews 4:16. How does this free us to approach God with everything, from our disappointments, hurts and struggles, to our praises, thanks and adoration?
- What are some ways that your small group can help each other in the midst of personal lamenting?
Pray:
Pray together as a group that God will give each of you a beautiful, intimate relationship with him to be able to honestly voice your pain and disappointment and to deepen your trust in him. Pray for those in your group who are in the place of crying out to God in lament. Ask God to be faithful once again according to his character and covenant.
