Tags

Share this story

How to Complain Prayerfully

Learning the language of lament in the Psalms can deliver you from both guilt and denial.

Book of Psalms. Photo by Pamela Hodson, Thinkstock.

Almost one-third of the 150 psalms in the Bible are psalms of lament or complaint or “disorientation,” says Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann.

In the short video below, he suggests that neglecting the language of disorientation invites people to feel guilt or denial, and thus impoverishes us and our prayer lives. 

This is one reason that praying the Psalms can enrich and deepen your prayer life. Learning the language of lament can deliver you from both guilt (“I shouldn’t be feeling this way”) and denial (“I’m not feeling this way”).

The Psalms include both personal and corporate psalms of lament–that is, complaints from an individual’s perspective vs. from a group perspective (such as the nation of Israel).

Some lament the psalmist’s own actions while others bemoan the action or inaction of others–even God, sometimes.

They express anger, frustration, doubt, fear, and protest. Some are repentant in tone (“penitential”) while others are caustic and cursing (“imprecatory”).

Here is a listing of the psalms that can be called “complaining prayers”:

Community laments: 12, 44, 58, 60, 74, 79, 80, 83, 85, 89, 90, 94, 123, 126, 129

Individual laments: 3, 4, 5, 7, 9-10, 13, 14, 17, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 36, 39, 40:12-17, 41, 42-43, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 61, 64, 70, 71, 77, 86, 89, 120, 139, 141, 142

Penitential: 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143

Imprecatory: 35, 69, 83, 88, 109, 137, 140

If you’ve never prayed the Psalms before–or if you’ve never prayed a psalm of lament before–here’s a suggestion: Start with Psalm 3 or 4, reading it aloud slowly, several times.

As you pray, allow the Holy Spirit to apply the words to your own situation, and use the psalmist’s words to help you complain authentically but prayerfully. After the first couple readings, adjust the wording to fit the cry of your heart. Repeat as necessary.

Does “complaining” in prayer seem strange to you? If so, why? If not, why not? Do you pray the Psalms? Do you avoid psalms of lament or are you drawn to them? Please share your experience with other readers of this blog by commenting below.

Share this story

365 Days of Prayer

This new devotional contains 365 inspiring Bible verses, uplifting devotions, and moving prayers to help you apply each day’s message.

PLUS FREE GIFTS – enjoy 4 FREE Scripture & Reflection Notecards!

FREE PREVIEW! Read an excerpt from 365 Days of Prayer now.

Read More and Order
A Moment for Mom Right Rail

Community Newsletter

Get More Inspiration Delivered to Your Inbox

Scroll to Top