INTRODUCTION
Where in the Bible does it say that we have to be strong all the time? Ecclesiastes reminds us that for everything there is a season: A time to weep, and a time to laugh a time to mourn, and a time to dance. This liturgy is designed to give your congregation permission on Good Friday to weep and mourn in the form of what is known as a lament. A lament is a passionate expression of grief where we pray to God, uncensored. We let our guard down and have the courage to talk to God about our worries and fears, our sadness and doubt.
Perhaps, the most powerful lament in Scripture is Psalm 22 which contains the familiar words Jesus spoke from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" It's almost shocking to hear these words being spoken by Jesus. However, it should also give us permission to be as bold in our lament as he was.
Finally, a lament always ends with words of trust and hope, whether we believe them or not. The last words Jesus spoke from the cross were, "Father into your hands I commend my Spirit." In the midst of his suffering and pain, Jesus trusted that God heard his lament and walked with him as he journeyed through the valley of the shadow of death. May our lament plant a seed of trust and hope in us as we name the heartaches and disappointments life has thrown at us.
HERE ARE THE MP3'S
LAMENT PRELUDE
GOD, HEAR OUR LAMENT
HOW LONG?
MY GOD, MY GOD
GO TO DARK GETHSEMANE
O SACRED HEAD NOW WOUNDED
WERE YOU THERE?
INTO YOUR HANDS
LAMENT can be purchased for use in your conrgregation by making a donation to support the music ministry of Abiding Savior. You can do this through the church's PayPal account (link is on the front page of the web site) Pastor Dave's Venmo account, @David-Eck-80, or a check sent to the church's address: 801 Charlotte Highway, Fairview, NC 28730. Make sure to include your e-mail address so we can send you an interactive PDF with all the downloads you'll need including the liturgy, sample bulletin, sheet music, and jpegs. Feel free to contact Pastor Dave if you have any questions about the liturgy.
HERE IS THE LINK TO THE YOUTUBE VIDEO FROM LAMENT'S PREMIERE IN APRIL 2022.
