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Today is World Earth Day. Today we lament what has happened to God’s Good Creation.
HAS GOD LEFT CREATION?
Has God left Creation?
We stumble over the carcasses of earth in search of life.
Abandoned, betrayed, and denied its Goodness, we weep.
Lightless.
Hopeless.
Helpless.
God, you once moved and lived and breathed in all things.
God, you once walked in the Garden and consecrated Creation.
God, you once bound us all together in your covenant of salvation.
But where is our help to be found
In this world clouded by sin?
But how can we reach you, God,
As we choke on this poisoned air?
But when can we eat this food,
Emerging from toxic soil?
All of your Creation struggles to breathe,
To live and thrive.
Our city’s streets are slick with oil,
Our walls with slime.
Your birds falter.
Your deer stumble.
Your streams die.
God, you have seen Creation and called it good.
Save us now.
God, you have made Creation in Your image.
Save us now.
God, you have called us into your healing love always.
Save us now.
God, you knock at our doors, begging entrance.
But we look away, we turn toward ourselves.
God you invite us down a different path.
But we go our own way, sure of our footing.
God, you offer us abundance and plenty.
But we see only through eyes of fear and greed.
God, be with us in our despair and hear us as we cry out to you.
By Jessica Abell
I suspect everyone reading this lament has suffered from a broken relationship that was romantic in nature. I have. I remember the wonderful feeling of being “in love” (which is more often than not, being obsessed or infatuated), and all the hopes, dreams, longings and expectations that come with that feeling. And then one day it is gone. Dreams are dashed and hope has gone to hell. Depression and despair set in and tears fall. Christians can feel the pain as much as anyone, but for the Christian, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Lament of the Brokenhearted.
In the stillness of this twilight hour,
My heart weeps, weak and without power.
O, how my life spins with inner strife,
And sorrow grips the core of my life.
Oh, the anguish of broken hearts,
Torn asunder by obsession’s darts.
Grief’s silent tears, a river deep,
Wallowing in sorrow, we have to weep.
I mourn for days of laughter gone,
Replaced by silence, a mournful song.
The pain of longing, a constant achen’
For solace, for peace; my soul’s forsaken.
Yet in the depths of this lamenting cry,
Hope flickers, like stars in the night sky.
For even in sorrow’s darkest hour,
God’s true love has lasting power.
So let us lament, but not despair,
For joy awaits; someone does care.
In Christ’s embrace, we find our balm,
And turn our lament into a healing psalm.
King Saul tried many times to kill David. Jonathan was David’s best friend. King Saul and his son Jonathan died on the battlefield and David grieved for both of them. Here is his lament taken from 2 Samuel 1.
“Your glory, O Israel, is slain on your high places!
How the mighty have fallen!
Tell it not in Gath,
publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon,
lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice,
lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.
“You mountains of Gilboa,
let there be no dew or rain upon you,
nor fields of offerings!
For there the shield of the mighty was defiled,
the shield of Saul, not anointed with oil.
“From the blood of the slain,
from the fat of the mighty,
the bow of Jonathan turned not back,
and the sword of Saul returned not empty.
“Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely!
In life and in death they were not divided;
they were swifter than eagles,
they were stronger than lions.
“You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet,
who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.
“How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle!
“Jonathan lies slain on your high places.
I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
very pleasant have you been to me;
your love to me was extraordinary,
surpassing the love of women.
“How the mighty have fallen,
and the weapons of war perished!”
Yesterday Mexico celebrated the birth of their most respected and beloved president, Benito Juarez. He was resident at the same time as Abraham Lincoln was president in the U.S. Both presidents fought for basic human rights. Abraham Lincoln fought to end slavery. Benito Juarez fought for the rights of the poor who were being oppressed by the government, rich landowners, and the Catholic Church. Today I offer a lament for all those who live in countries that are being denied their basic human rights.
In the shadows of tyranny, where basic human rights are denied,
Millions suffer silently, their voices unheard, their dreams pushed to the side.
As chains of oppression tighten, hope flickers like a dying flame,
In lands where justice is but a distant, forgotten name.
Benito Juarez once said, “Respect for the rights of others means peace.”
Yet in these lands, peace is but a fleeting illusion, a mirage in the desert of despair.
Abraham Lincoln echoed, “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”
But the rulers turn a blind eye, deaf to the cries of the oppressed, consumed by greed and power.
In lamenting this oppression, let us remember the words of Isaiah 1:17:
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
May these words kindle a fire of courage and compassion,
To stand with the downtrodden, to fight for justice and freedom,
Until every heart beats with dignity, and every soul soars in liberty’s embrace.
Today is International Day of the Woman. This lament and prayer is from the Salvation Army website and is for all women who have suffered in the past or are presently experiencing injustice and oppression.
This Franciscan prayer was originally written for International Women’s Day, and brings before God a lament for the plight of women in abuse, poverty and violence; forgiveness for our own discrimination, and hope for transformation through God.
Lord, make me an instrument of peace:
Bless all women who daily strive to bring peace to their communities, their homes and their hearts. Give them strength to continue to turn swords into ploughshares.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love:
We pray for all women who face prejudice, inequality and gender disparities. Help us see and to face the discrimination against women in all the many forms it may take.
Where there is injury, pardon:
Comfort all women who suffer from the pain of war, violence, and abuse. Help them to become instruments of their own reconciliation and peace.
Where there is division, unity:
Forgive all women and men who let differences breed hate and discrimination. Let your example of valuing all of creation help us to see that we are equal partners in the stewardship of your world.
Where there is darkness, light; where there is untruth, truth:
Comfort all women who struggle in the darkness of abuse, poverty, and loneliness. May we stand with them in light to acknowledge their suffering and strive to remove the burdens of shame or embarrassment.
Where there is doubt, true faith:
We pray for all women who live in fear of their husbands, fathers, and forces that control their lives. Help them to be empowered to be their true selves through your everlasting love and faith.
Where there is despair, hope:
We pray for all women who live in the despair of poverty, violence, trafficking, slavery and abuse. May the light of your love bring them hope.
Where there is sadness, new joy:
Help us to see the strength and goodness in all women and men. Transform our hearts to celebrate the love and grace of all people.
AMEN
Victor is one of the leaders of Foundation For His Ministry’s home for needy children in Baja, Mexico. His older brother and younger brother both died unexpectedly from disease last week. Both were in the prime of life. This lament is for him, and for all those who grieve the loss of family members who died all too soon.
Oh, Victor, burdened soul, hear the echoes of your sorrow,
A lament unfurls for you, in the shadows of tomorrow.
In the chill of night, where grief’s tendrils entwine,
Two brothers lost, their lights ceased to shine.
The elder, a guardian, a beacon of strength,
His presence once towering, now lost at length.
In the tapestry of memories, his laughter did ring,
Now silenced by fate, an unyielding sting.
The younger, full of promise, with dreams yet to dream,
Snatched by illness’s hand, no more songs left to sing.
In the bloom of youth, his flame is now out
He had great potential, of that there’s no doubt.
Oh, Victor, bearer of a heavy burden’s toll,
In the wake of loss, may your wounded heart God console.
May the Good Lord above bring you peace in your plight,
Guiding you through this great darkness of night.
Though tears may fall like rain upon earth,
Know that love will endure, beyond death’s mirth.
In the depths of despair, may hope’s ember burn bright,
As you navigate this labyrinth of sorrow’s deep blight.
Grieve, dear Victor, for the loss that you bear,
But know you’re not alone in this world of care.
In the embrace of loved ones, find strength to stand,
For in unity, we weather grief’s tightening band.
Let memories be the balm to soothe your unrest,
And may healing grace unfold deep in your chest.
Though scars may linger, and pain may persist,
In time, may peace blossom in the gray mist.
Farewell, dear brothers, to your restful sleep,
In Victor’s heart, your memories he’ll eternally keep.
May angels guide you to a tranquil shore,
Where suffering ends, and love reigns evermore.
In the shadow of sorrow, where grief’s weight does press,
One finds strength in scripture, where the Spirit does caress.
From Psalms, let words flow, like a gentle stream,
To soothe the aching heart, and mend the broken dream.
“In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
for you answer me, LORD.” -( Psalm 86:7) I know that is true.
Oh, Victor, in your anguish, let these words take flight,
In God’s embrace, you’ll find refuge in the night.
In the depths of despair, His mercy abides,
A beacon of hope, in sorrow’s strong tide.
As you journey through the valley, may faith be your guide,
In His steadfast love, may you ever confide.
For though shadows may lengthen, and trials may abound,
His grace, it will lift you, where comfort is found.
Let this verse be a lantern, it will give you insight,
A reminder of His presence, in sorrow’s silent night.
In tender whispers of prayer, you will find release,
And in arms of His mercy, may you experience peace.
Alexei Navalny, an incredibly courageous Russian, died in prison last Friday, most likely on the orders of Putin, the Russian president, whom Navalny exposed as being a very corrupt man in charge of a corrupt government. This lament is for all political prisoners and their families.
In the shadowed depths of prison walls,
Silent cries echo through desolate halls.
Families torn, hearts heavy with despair,
Injustice prevailing, heavy burdens to bear.
Locked away for thoughts they dared to speak,
For seeking truths about corruption that reeks.
Political prisoners, bound by chains unseen,
Their courage undimmed, their spirits keen.
Oh, the anguish of those left behind,
Their loved ones imprisoned, their voices confined.
Yearning for justice, a flicker of light,
In the darkness of tyranny, a beacon bright.
May their resilience endure through the night,
May hope ignite the flame, burning bright.
For in the struggle for freedom, they stand tall,
Liberation beckons, echoing the call.
To political prisoners and families brave,
In solidarity, our hearts we engrave.
May freedom’s embrace be swift to come,
And the darkness of oppression be undone.
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Amos 5:24 (NIV)
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
Today is Valentines Day and Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. There are a lot of lonely people out there, many with broken hearts, that will not be celebrating love, true love, but are despairing of ever enjoying a deep, intimate relationship, with anyone. For them I offer this lamentation and a prayer that through Lent, they will find the joy, peace and contentment that only our crucified and risen Lord can bring.
Lamentation for the Brokenhearted and Lonely
Oh, how the broken-hearted weep, In the shadows where loneliness creeps, Their souls heavy with sorrow’s weight, In the darkness where love meets fate.
Alone they wander, hearts laid bare, In search of solace, in search of care, Their tears like rivers, flowing deep, Midnight whispers secrets that they keep.
The ache within, a silent cry, As memories haunt beneath the sky, Each shattered dream, each shattered vow, Echoes of pain that linger now.
In solitude, they find their song, In the quiet, where they belong, But oh, the ache, the silent plea, For healing balm to set them free.
Prayer for Ash Wednesday and Lent:
Almighty Father, on this solemn day, We come before You, hearts in disarray, In the ashes of our brokenness, we kneel, Seeking Your grace, Your love to feel.
As Lenten journey begins anew, Grant us strength, courage true, To walk the path of sacrifice and grace, In Your embrace, find our rightful place.
Meditating, may we find sustenance for the soul, In prayer, may Your presence make us whole, In helping others, may we learn to share, The burdens of those in deep despair.
Bless us with Your mercy, Lord, we pray, Guide us through this Lenten day, Renew our spirits, heal our pain, In Your love, may we find gain.
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God will never leave us or forsake us and nothing can separate us from his love. Romans 8:38,39
It’s no news that Ukraine and Russia are at war, and Israel and Hamas are at war. It may be news to some that in Ukraine over 9.6 thousand civilians and over 61,000 soldiers have died since the start of the war (OHCHR). 300,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or seriously wounded. Over 28,000 people have died in the Israel – Hamas war. Besides death, countless people have been maimed for life and thousands of refugees have fled their homes, many of which have been destroyed. So much pain and loss in these two wars alone. Throughout history war has raged and ravaged lives, broken up families causing misery and suffering. Below is a lament for war and a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer.
O Lord, God of our salvation, as we cry out before you today about the injustice, pain and sorrow in our world. We think of those impacted by war and terror. We know that each person and every child is precious to you, yet we see fear, suffering seemingly without end. You Lord are the great provider, you see the needs of those impacted by war and you love them and weep with them. Comfort them Lord as they struggle and nourish their souls with renewed hope each morning. Guide those who seek refuge to places where they can find help and rest, and move the hearts of nations to welcome them. Help your people Lord to find community and sustaining joy in places of refuge or exile. Lord you promise a time where there will be no more war, no fear, or pain, or sorrow, or suffering. Build your kingdom here, come Lord Jesus.
We pray for peace in our world: that all people may live free from violence, in safety and security, and with hope for the future. We pray for all people who are working to build peace in their communities: that they may inspire others by their example and be strengthened to carry on, even in the hardest times. We pray for families impacted by war; for those living in fear, for those indelibly touched by tragedy, for those who mourn; We pray for boys and girls whose childhood has been stolen in the cause of war, bring restoration, healing, family, love. We pray for those fleeing war and persecution, those seeking refuge and those seeking a fresh start in a land not their own.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
Open Doors recently published its annual report on Christian persecution around the world. According to this report, more than 365 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith. One in seven Christians are persecuted worldwide. 4,998 Christians were murdered. 14,766 churches and Christian properties were attacked. For those who suffer because of their Christian faith, we lament.
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Oh, Lord of mercy, we raise our voices in lament, For persecuted Christians, their trials unbent. In lands where faith invites the wrath of hate, They endure the darkness, bearing a heavy weight.
Amidst the shadows of persecution’s grim decree, They stand as beacons of light, steadfast and free. Their voices silenced, their freedoms stripped away, Yet, in the face of adversity, they kneel and pray.
In the depths of suffering, they find their strength, Their faith unwavering, no matter the length. Through trials and tribulations, they cling to You, Oh, God of refuge, their hope renewed.
As tears fall like rain in the night’s embrace, Their cries ascend to Your throne, seeking grace. Grant them courage, Oh Lord, in their darkest hour, A shield of faith, a fortress of Your power.
For they are blessed, though persecuted they stand, Their inheritance secure in Your promised land. In the midst of anguish, let Your love shine bright, A beacon of hope in persecution’s blight.
Romans 8:35, 37-39 (NIV): “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Open Doors lists the 50 countries in the world where persecution of Christians is most prevalent. Mexico was 37th worst in the world. I have lived in Mexico for almost 19 years and have heard many stories of Christians being persecuted. A few years ago I met a young man who father was killed for preaching the gospel. The rest of the family had to flee their little village and their house and property was taken from them. According to the report the persecution primarily happens in remote, mountainous communities where people are reluctant to change their ancestral ways and hostile to missionaries who try to evangelize and to those who convert, and also in areas controlled by drug cartels.
Foundation For His Ministry supports missionaries who try to share the Gospel in these areas. One of those missionaries is Mabel. She ministers in the Sierra Norte region of Oaxaca. She recently told me about a plan to build a church in the small town of Tepanzacoalco. At first the community leaders were ok with it, but later told the small congregation that they could not construct a building and forbid Mabel to ever come back. She also told me about some believers in a little pueblo called Yagila, who had built a church, and that it had been burnt down by people opposed to Christianity.
Below is a prayer from Open Doors for persecuted Christians in Mexico.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible courage of our family in Mexico who speak out against violence and promote peace. Protect them, we pray, and continue to embolden them in their ministries. May their words and lives touch the hearts of criminal leaders, so they turn from violence and hatred to follow You. Strengthen the faith of those living in indigenous communities; encourage them with your love and show them how You are powerfully at work in their neighborhoods. May our sisters and brothers in Mexico not be despondent as opposition increases, but may they be empowered to grow in their faith and witness. Bring peace, justice and wise governance to all areas of Mexico. Amen.
To Enjoy God 