Prayer of lament

1 Samuel 1: 1 - 20

Hannah's prayer strikes me as I read it this time as one of lament (grief at her barrenness, shame at being looked down upon by Peninnah, bitterness of soul) coupled with much trust in the God who, she knows hears the cries of the needy. So, as someone has put it - we can trust God and (still) lament, and still express our disappointments and griefs.

Hannah's prayer is raw and honest, vulnerable before God. Presenting herself with no masks before the One who stores our tears in his wineskin (Ps. 56) or records it on his scroll.

I do wish that as Christians we would be more comfortable with this way of coming to God, both as individuals and as communities of faith. Being able to trust and still lament adds a depth dimension to our spirituality. Our joy and celebration emerge from a lived reality that embraces both the Cross and the Resurrection. Our gratitude is not one that claims the goodness of God "for ourselves" but seeks to bring it to others, in particular those who lament.

How long O Lord? reflects the experience of lament.

In the same prayer, the psalmist encourages us to declare:

But I trust in your unfailing love....

my heart rejoices in your salvation.

Sorrow and joy are not contradictory. Praise God!