Lament as Sacred Formation

"The reasons that lament is risky are because it challenges power structures, it calls for justice, and it makes demands on our relationships with the "powers that be," one another, and God. Once lament is released, it cannot be recalled. Lament is risky because we never know until the act is done whether or not we have gone too far. Lament allows the pain to escape and stitches us to our neighbors. We are called to weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn. Our tears are our prayers when we can't speak, a baptism of sorts, salty healing, a sign of our vulnerability, and a liturgical response to violence. Lament is a collective response to tyranny and injustice. When we are confronted with the horror of our violence-laden society, our mindless killing of innocents, we shift from individual sobs to a solidarity cry to collective moans."

~ Barbara Holmes, Crisis Contemplation

Prayers & Pathways of Lament

The Need for Lament

Professor, Author, and Theologian Soong-Chan Rah argues that the deeply rooted triumphalism and exceptionalism in the American society are causing the absence of lament in the American churches. Churches today must not only recognize the need for lament, but also practice the discipline of lament both within and beyond the walls of the church (Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times).

An American Lament

This devotional is a journey through America’s history of slavery, segregation, and racism. At times, it may feel like a voyage into the shadow of death. But even in that deep darkness, God is with us and his light is the hope that guides us.

Chasing Justice: Lent

Dust to Dust: A Lenten Invitation to Liberation... how can we experience transformation without knowing what needs liberation? The life and death of Christ invites us, for our own integrity, to examine and reconsider how we ourselves have been complicit in corporate and systemic wrong. This forty day journey to deepen our love for Creator and Christ through the Spirit’s transforming power is the invitation of lent.

The Center for Formation Justice & Peace

We invite you to embark on a transformative Lenten journey that intertwines deep spiritual reflection with the pursuit of justice and peace. We offer a rich tapestry of resources and practices designed to nurture your inner life and inspire outward action. Our offerings aim to deepen your connection to Christlike character while actively engaging in the work of justice.

'A Just Lent' Invitation

Using A Just Passion: A Six-Week Lenten Journey, and the lectionary, we take a look at various aspects of justice, its importance to God and why the church has often regrettably failed to live out God’s call to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord.” Also, learn about Transforming Center: Love, Lent, and Leadership: Fashioning Your Own Wilderness where we follow the lectionary schedule.

Black Liturgies

Cole Arthur Riley's Black Liturgies is a contemplative project that combines faith, spirituality, and the Black experience through prayers, poetry, and reflections. It serves as a form of liturgy that acknowledges the unique struggles, resilience, and beauty within the Black community, offering words of comfort, healing, and justice (Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human).

Christian Community Development Association (CCDA)

CCDA is inviting you into a Lenten journey. Excerpts from our Immerse online curriculum will prompt your thoughts and lead you in reflection. We also encourage you to use a 40 day printable prayer drawing provided by Praying In Color. Click here for instructions on how to use this resource to visually and creatively give glory to God this Lenten Season.