Praying Our Pain: Lament as a Biblical Path through Depression

Scripture dignifies deep sorrow and shows us how to bring it—fully and faithfully—to God.

What lament is

Lament is the biblical prayer language for suffering. It often follows a pattern seen in the Psalms:

• Address God, 2) Complaint, 3) Request, 4) Trust/Praise (see Psalm 13). David begins, “How long, O LORD?” and ends with, “I will sing… because he has dealt bountifully with me” (Ps 13:1, 6). Both honesty and hope belong in the same prayer.

Lament in the Scriptures

• The downcast soul (Psalms 42–43). “Why are you cast down, O my soul?… Hope in God” (42:5). The psalmist speaks to his soul with truth about God.

• Darkness that lingers (Psalm 88). Scripture includes a song where the last word is “darkness” (88:18). God keeps even this prayer in His book to assure sufferers they are not beyond His care.

• Jesus’ own lament. In Gethsemane He confesses, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death” (Matt 26:38). On the cross He prays Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). Jesus teaches us that lament is faithful.

• Grief with hope (Lamentations 3). “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases… great is your faithfulness” (3:22–23). Hope is not denial; it is defiant trust in the character of God.

• Tears that matter (John 11). At Lazarus’s tomb, “Jesus wept” (11:35). The Lord of life dignifies our tears and promises resurrection hope.

Practices of biblical lament

• Write your own Psalm 13.

• Address: “O LORD…”

• Complaint: Name your sorrow honestly.

• Request: Ask specifically for help.

• Trust: “But I have trusted in your steadfast love.”

• Speak truth to your soul (Ps 42:5). Write two “cast‑down” sentences and answer each with a “hope in God” sentence anchored in a promise (e.g., Rom 8:38–39).

• Wait with Scripture (Lam 3:25–26). Set a simple rhythm: read, pray, sit in silence, repeat “The LORD is my portion” (Lam 3:24).

Reflection questions

• Which part of the lament pattern is hardest for you—complaint or trust?

• What would it look like to bring your sorrow into Christian community this week (Rom 12:15; Gal 6:2)?

Prayer

Lord, hear my cry. Remember mercy. Steady me with Your steadfast love and teach my heart to hope in You. Amen. (Ps 40:1; Lam 3:22–24; Ps 42:5)