In reference to our Shared Way of Life for December, here is the guide to help you create your own Psalm.
Writing a psalm of lament and hope is a simple way to bring your whole heart to God. It creates space to be real about your pain while holding onto the hope of God’s promises.
1. Begin with an Address to God
Start by naming God in a way that feels personal and reflects how you most need to experience Him right now. Do you need a Comforter, a Provider, or a Rescuer? Think about what you’re longing for and let that guide how you address Him.
Examples:
“God, You’ve always been my safe place…”
“Jesus, You know what it feels like to be brokenhearted…”
“Lord, the One who sticks with me no matter what…”
2. Express Your Lament
Be honest about what’s weighing on you. What’s breaking your heart, making you feel stuck, or keeping you up at night? Don’t hold back—God can handle all of it. Name the emotions, situations, or losses that are heavy on your heart.
Examples:
“Why does it feel like You’re so far away, God?”
“I’m tired of fighting battles that never seem to end…”
“Lord, how long will the brokenness in this world keep winning?”
3. Recall God’s Faithfulness
Pause to remember who God is and what He’s done in the past. Reflect on how He’s shown up for you or others, or on the ways Scripture reminds us of His goodness. These reminders can help re-center your heart and renew your trust.
Examples:
“But God, I remember how You’ve carried me before…”
“You’ve been my rock when everything else felt shaky…”
“Even when things seemed hopeless, You made a way.”
4. Ask Boldly
Bring your needs to God with courage and clarity. What do you long for Him to do? Ask for help, healing, justice, or whatever feels impossible on your own. God invites us to come boldly before Him.
Examples:
“Show up for me, God—make a way where there’s none…”
“Bring healing to what’s broken in me and the world…”
“Lord, move in ways that only You can to fix this mess.”
5. End with Hope and Praise
Even when things aren’t resolved, anchor yourself in the hope of God’s promises. Speak trust into your situation, choosing to rest in God’s faithfulness and love.
Examples:
“I know You’re not done, Lord—I’ll keep trusting You…”
“You’re the God who keeps showing up, and I’ll keep waiting…”
“No matter what, I’ll keep singing about Your goodness.”
Example Psalm:
God, You’ve always been the One I run to, But right now, I feel like I’m running in circles. The weight of this world is crushing me—Nothing seems to go my way, and I am so tired.
Still, I remember how You helped me before. You rescued me when I was lost. God, I need You to rescue me again. Fix this broken relationship. Bring forgiveness and love where there is only fear and distrust.
I’ll keep trusting You, even when I can’t see the way forward. You’ve been faithful, and I know You make a way.
Post your psalm on social media with #OpenChurchLament so we can walk this journey together.
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