Tag Archives: Lament
Praying when Doors Close
What do we pray when our spirits are crushed, when circumstances force us to change direction and formulate new plans? Five years ago on January 21st, my day began with a phone call that informed me that my older son … Continue reading
A Prayer on New Year’s Day 2020
New Year’s Day 2020 is a time for celebration, reflection, and prayer. The change of calendar empowers many to revive imagination and renew hopes dashed by disappointment. While people pack into places like Times Square in New York City and … Continue reading
A Prayer for Courage on an Anniversary of Evil
A prayer I offered in 2012 front of an assembly from several nations in Kabul for Patriot Day (September 11): O God, Creator of all, Sustainer of life, our Refuge from disaster, we commemorate today an event that awakened a … Continue reading
Prayer to the God who Reverses and Redefines
Psalm 129 laments persecution and calls down judgment on those who hate the place where God’s people worship. A song sung on the way to worship by Israelite worshipers, the psalm’s words speak of painful assault experienced by the worshiper. … Continue reading
Prayer when We Have Had Enough
Weariness saps our vision and energy. We cannot concentrate on our goals because our weariness distracts our focus. I remember a general’s embarrassment when he had an automobile accident when he drove while impaired. He told his soldiers that he … Continue reading
Reflecting on the Anniversary of My Son’s Death
I’ve reflected today on Psalm 90. While today is recognized in the United States this year as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 21 in 2019 is the fourth anniversary of a day that began with a telephone call informing … Continue reading
A Prayer, a Song, and a Memory in the Night
When life is darkest, what do we pray? When hope dims, what songs do we sing? When opponents taunt, on what memories do we rely? In his prayer to the Lord, the writer of Psalm 119 provides his answers to … Continue reading
