What is lament?

Welcome

We continue our journey through the season of Lent. Today, we explore a word often used in this season: lament. We'll meet God's prophet (messenger), Jeremiah, as we learn what it means.

Share

• What was the best moment of the last week for you? The worst?
• How did you see God at work in the last week? What is your God sighting?

Sing

In the Bible, a lament is a cry to God. Often, laments are prayers or songs written when a person is feeling sad, angry, or worn down. This song reminds us that no matter what we're facing, we can come to God. He wants to hear all our emotions and helps us when we're down.

Scripture

Jeremiah is often called the weeping prophet. He wrote many laments, cries to God, because he was sad that God's people weren't making good choices. We can also read many laments in the Psalms. Laments begin with a shout to God, but end with a reminder of God's promises. Here's an example from Lamentations 3:17-23 NLT.

Peace has been stripped away, and I have forgotten what prosperity is. I cry out, “My splendor is gone! Everything I had hoped for from the Lord is lost!” The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

You can watch part of Jeremiah's story from Jeremiah 36 here.

Talk About

Why do you think God allows us to be honest in prayer? Why did Jeremiah keep talking to God even when he was upset? What situations in life make you lament? When we feel sad or frustrated, how does Jesus bring us hope?

Explore

Supplies

• Small cups/jars/bottles
• Blue beads or water drops
• Small slips of paper
• Pens

Instructions

1. Each bead represents a tear or sadness.
2. Write one sad thing in the world or their life.
3. Put the paper and beads in the jar.
4. Add a second paper with a hope or prayer.

Example prompts:

• “God, help…”
• “I hope that…”

Remember that even when Jeremiah cried, he still believed God would restore his people.

Pray

Dear Jesus, You are with us in every situation. Thank you for hearing our cries and comforting us in times of sadness. You are our hope. You are faithful. Amen.