The Psalms of Lament and the Transformation of Sorrow

Abstract

This article explores how the psalms of lament can be used as a resource for pastoral care, and how ultimately they point toward the transformation of sorrow. Relying on Walter Brueggemann's scheme of orientation--disorientation--new orientation as a way to recognize the depth of human experience, the article sees the laments as honest engagement and dialogue with God within a covenantal relationship where hurt and pain are acknowledged rather than denied and avoided. The implications of using the psalms of lament in pastoral care and in Clinical Pastoral Education are discussed.

Psalms 90, 91 and 92 as a means of coping with trauma and adversity

“…The words of the middle verses of Psalm 90 convey the types of feelings that might be associated with such a trauma: despair, confusion, regret, and guilt. To deal with those types of thoughts and feelings, they must be expressed, and there must also be hope and thanksgiving to avoid remaining in despair (Jones, 2007). These latter find expression in Psalms 91 and 92.…”

Praying the Psalms as a Nursing Resilience Intervention

“…Although uncomfortable, especially for a person who is in a state of orientation, the troubling biblical statements that accuse God of being absent in suffering are important and offer guidance for persons who are undergoing disorientation. These disorientation psalms provide a raw, honest voice for those who are suffering (Brueggemann, 1986; Jones, 2007; Suderman, 2012). Indeed, even Jesus prayed one of these psalms on the cross (Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34).…”

“…Logan Jones writes, “There is no value in silence, isolation, and denial. And if everything—and every feeling—must be voiced, then it must also be addressed to God, who is, as Brueggemann says, ‘the final reference for all of life’” (Jones, 2007, p. 52). Praying the psalms can provide an outlet of release for the spiritual struggle Lydia is experiencing.…”