Word & Table Psalms of Lament
Sep 29, 2025
Fr. Stephen Gauthier, a Canon theologian and Director of Formation at St. Paul's House, dives into the world of Psalms of lament. He explains the crucial role of honest complaints in prayer, citing biblical figures like Abraham and Job as examples of faithful lament. Stephen discusses how these psalms encourage a transparent dialogue with God, stressing the importance of expressing anguish for healing. He shares the structure of lament and highlights Psalm 13 as a powerful model for finding trust amid suffering.
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Lament Is Part Of Praise
- The Hebrew title Tehillim means "songs of praise," so laments coexist with praise in Psalms.
- About a third of Psalms are laments, showing complaint belongs inside praise, not outside it.
Individual And Communal Laments
- Psalms of lament include individual and communal forms, reflecting personal and corporate suffering.
- Communal laments, like Psalm 44, voice national disgrace and corporate cry for help.
Practice Radical Honesty In Prayer
- Be honest with God in prayer because honesty is the foundation of trust and relationship.
- Tell God the truth about your situation so God can respond like a doctor who must know the real problem.