Praying Through Pain

In times of deep anguish, when life seems unbearable and God feels distant, the ancient practice of lament offers a path forward. Lament is a form of prayer that gives voice to our pain, confusion, and even anger towards God, while ultimately reaffirming our trust in Him. One of the most powerful examples of lament in scripture is Psalm 22, which begins with the haunting words, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Let's explore how we can use Psalm 22 as a guide for praying our own laments, finding comfort, hope, and even joy even in our darkest moments.

1. Express Your Raw Emotions

Psalm 22 opens with a cry of abandonment: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?" (v. 1-2)

The psalmist doesn't hold back. He pours out his feelings of despair and isolation, questioning God's seeming absence. This teaches us that it's okay – even necessary – to be honest with God about our pain. He can handle our doubts, fears, and accusations.

When you pray your lament, start by laying bare your emotions:
- Name your specific pain or struggle
- Tell God how you feel abandoned or forgotten
- Question why He seems silent or distant

2. Remember God's Past Faithfulness

"Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them." (v. 3-5)

Even as he cries out in anguish, the psalmist recalls God's faithfulness to His people throughout history. This reminds us that our current pain isn't the whole story.

In your lament:
- Reflect on times God has helped you in the past
- Recall biblical stories of God's deliverance
- Acknowledge God's character as loving and faithful, even if you can't feel it right now

3. Describe Your Suffering

The psalm goes on to vividly depict the author's physical and emotional distress: "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me." (v. 14)

Don't shy away from detailing your pain to God. He already knows, but there's power in articulating our suffering. It helps us process our emotions and invites God into our specific circumstances.

Be specific in your lament:
- Describe your physical symptoms of stress or illness
- Express how your situation is affecting you emotionally
- Share the impact on your relationships or daily life

4. Contrast Your State with God's Power

"But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me." (v. 19)

The psalmist juxtaposes his own weakness with God's strength, pleading for divine intervention. This is a crucial element of lament – recognizing that while we are helpless, God is all-powerful.

In your prayer:
- Admit your own limitations and powerlessness
- Affirm God's unlimited power and ability to help
- Ask boldly for His intervention

5. Make Your Requests Known

Throughout Psalm 22, we see repeated cries for help: "Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. Rescue me from the mouth of the lions" (v. 20-21)

Don't be afraid to ask God for what you need. Be specific in your requests, trusting that He hears and cares.

Your lament should include:
- Clear requests for God's help or intervention
- Pleas for comfort, strength, or guidance
- Specific outcomes you're hoping for

6. Choose to Trust and Praise

The psalm takes a dramatic turn in verse 22: "I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you."

Despite his circumstances remaining unchanged, the psalmist chooses to end with declarations of trust and praise. This is perhaps the most challenging – and most important – aspect of lament. We decide to trust God and praise Him, even when we don't feel like it.

Conclude your lament by:
- Affirming your trust in God's goodness and plan
- Choosing to praise Him, despite your circumstances
- Declaring your intention to share His faithfulness with others

7. Look Forward in Hope

The final verses of Psalm 22 paint a picture of future generations praising God: "All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord" (v. 27)

By ending with this broader perspective, the psalm reminds us that our current suffering is not the end of the story. God is working out His purposes on a scale far beyond our individual lives.

Close your lament by:
- Expressing hope for the future
- Acknowledging God's bigger plan
- Committing to be part of His ongoing work in the world

Praying a lament like Psalm 22 is not a magic formula to instantly solve our problems. But it does provide a biblical framework for processing our pain in God's presence. It allows us to be brutally honest while ultimately reaffirming our trust in Him.

As we practice lament, we may find that while our circumstances don't immediately change, we are changed. We gain perspective, find comfort in God's presence, and discover a deeper, more resilient faith that can withstand life's harshest storms.

So the next time you find yourself in a dark valley, don't run from your pain or try to paste on a happy face. Instead, take your cue from Psalm 22. Cry out to God in raw honesty, remind yourself of His faithfulness, pour out your heart, and choose to trust Him even in your darkest hour. In doing so, you'll be joining a long line of faithful believers who have found hope and comfort through the timeless practice of lament.