The Psalms help us express a wide range of emotions, but one form of expression they are well known for is Lament. Lament is a cry out against injustice, it’s a complaint against the way things are, it’s an expression of deep sadness or anger. Lament is all that ~ but that’s not all it is. The Lament form of prayer found in the Psalms follows a template that holds all those things in their raw, bare honesty, in the light of hope. Psalm 13, “How Long,” is a perfect example of this. A beloved professor of mine wrote, “Lament is faith’s alternative to despair” (see citation below). So during Lent, we make space for Lament ~ for those raw, bare, honest expressions that could lead us to utter despair ~ but in keeping with this ancient prayer tradition, we hold all that before a loving and listening God as we look for the light of hope and trust and faith to guide our way.

You can find lyrics, scores/books, mp3s, CDs for How Long

Find our more about our music at www.celticpsalms.com

In the Lenten Psalms and Practices series, there will be a weekly podcast that will come out on Wednesdays throughout Lent. And for paid subscribers, on Fridays, you will receive a short video leading you through a practice each week, as well as an mp3 of the Lenten Psalm.

Toward the end of Lent, I will also be offering a Lenten Practices Workshop live on Zoom, and I would love for you to join me. If you'd appreciate a chance to go deeper this Lent with these Psalms and practices, I invite you to be part of this journey with me. Become a paid subscriber for a deeper experience of Lenten Psalms and Practices.

Citation: Deborah Van Deusen Hungsinger in “Pray without Ceasing,” p. 138.

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