How to Lament
A blueprint for prayer in times of great turmoil.
An easy-to-use resource that helps you cry out to God when you are in pain.
It often feels difficult to pray in times when we are experiencing deep suffering. The Bible does not say we have to be happy all the time. In fact, the Bible has a blueprint for a kind of prayer that helps us pour out our pain to God.
Crying out to God with honesty in times like these can actually be a form of worship; instead of shutting out God, we open ourselves to God. This little tool explains how to do it.
This resource is available in two formats: a printable booklet you can write in or share, and an editable PDF. Download links are below.
Print Format:
Printing instructions: This PDF can be printed on a single, double-sided page and then folded in half as a booklet. Here's how:
If your printer has double-sided printing capabilities: With the PDF open, choose "File > Print." Page sizing should be set to "Actual Size." Make sure that the "Print on both sides of paper" option is checked, and then select "flip on short edge." Print. Fold in half to make a 5.5x8.5" booklet.
If your printer can only print one side at a time: Print page 1, then flip and re-insert the page in the paper tray according to your printer's instructions, and print page 2 on the reverse side. Fold in half to make a 5.5x8.5" booklet.
Digital Format:
Instructions: You can write and save your own lament with this PDF. Here's how:
Click on the "My Lament" box on page 4 and type your lament. Save the file.
If you want a blank version of the resource, you can download it again above.