Tag Archives: Lament

When Prayer Is Not Enough

Posted on August 9, 2017 by Michael Summers

Sometimes it seems as if I’m praying to a wall. No apparent answer greets repeated requests; no recognizable acknowledgement responds to prayers of praise and gratitude. Meanwhile, frustration increases and disappointment soars as life sours before me. When this happens, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged apologetics, christianity, ethics, faith, focus, Isaiah 58, Lament, Malachi 2:10-16, Prayer, relationships, religion | 4 Comments

The Empty Pews Sing Softly

Posted on June 2, 2017 by Michael Summers

The empty pews sing softly, echoing back melodic tones Wafted by faithful worshipers scattered in erratic zones Through a hall reserved for moments of joy and grief, Exultation and lament, fervor and hopeful belief In Messiah Jesus, Son of God, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, church attendance, church growth, Church of Christ, discipleship, faith, Hebrews 10:25, Lament, missional, NaPoWriMo, poetry, Prayer, religion, Satan, singing, worship | 2 Comments

Prayer of Despair

Posted on April 5, 2017 by Michael Summers

“I cry to you for help and you do not answer me: I stand, and you only look at me. You have turned cruel to me; with the might of your hand you persecute me. You lift me up on … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, faith, Job, Lament, persecution, Perseverance, religion | 4 Comments

A Prayer to God who Delights in Setting Right What Has Gone Wrong

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Michael Summers

In Psalm 35, a victim of betrayal and injustice calls for fire in militaristic fashion. He pleads for God to fight against his opponents. He cries out for God to put on his armor, “Take hold of shield and buckler … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, glorifying God, hope, justice, Lament, love, Prayer, salvation, vengeance | 2 Comments

A Prayer for God to Defend His Cause

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Michael Summers

Devastation surrounds the composer of Psalm 74. His mind recoils in shock as he remembers the ruins of the Temple of God in Jerusalem. The enemy had demolished the building. The Psalmist tells us that the invaders had not contented … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bargaining with God, christianity, confession, discernment, discipleship, Ecclesiastes, Lament, Problem of Evil, Psalms | 2 Comments

Praying with Reverence

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Michael Summers

“Because of the multitude of oppressions people cry out; they call for help because of the arm of the mighty. But none says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, who teaches us more than the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged faith, faithfulness, glorifying God, hope, humility, Lament, love, Spiritual Formation, submission | 1 Comment

After the Death of My Son

Posted on January 24, 2015 by Michael Summers

I’m walking through the valley again this week as I mourn the unexpected sudden death of my son Caleb from natural causes. Pain wrenches my soul, and I have prayed prayers of angry lament, though realizing this time that God, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, grief, Lament, love, Problem of Evil | 25 Comments