Mystery – The Power of Communal Laments

Does it sound strange that one portrait of the church should be a picture of sorrow and group unhappiness?  This lesson explores the power contained in communal laments.  As many as sixteen Psalms are identified by this writing style.  In them the community of Jews honestly share the sorrow and pain of an entire nation.  These ancient “songs”  are characterized by expressions which attribute the lamentable condition to God and proclaim the innocence of the people.  These psalms are unique in that their conclusions demonstrate a greater understanding of their sorrowful situation and an exalted praise for God’s work in sustaining them.

Our study proposes that churches appear to be seeking to create a sorrow-free worship assembly.  Have we surrendered to the logic that worship needs to always be encouraging, uplifting, celebratory, and never hold any lamenting?

We list several advantages of communal laments and view the unique power that lamentations can hold within the church.

Click on the play button below to begin this study.

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