To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Racial injustice, viral pandemics, job loss–Is God there? Does he see? The Psalms have many prayers of lament that ask these very questions and then ask God for healing and restoration. Here is a prayer of lament that we prayed during our church service last Sunday based on Psalm 10.

Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? 
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? 
Lord, in your mercy...
...hear our prayer.
Our nation is in conflict and turmoil. 
There is division all around us. 
We live in a time of deep division and hatred. 
We are divided over the Coronavirus. 
We are divided over race and justice. 
We are divided over political ideology. 
We call you in our sorrow and frustration. 
Lord God, eternal, everlasting God...
...hear our prayer.
Why, O Lord, do you stand so far off? 
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? 
Lord, in your mercy...
...hear our prayer.
Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand. 
Forget not the afflicted. 
You are king forever and ever; 
O Lord, you heard the desire of the afflicted; 
You will strengthen their hearts, 
You will incline your ear 
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed. 
Have mercy on us, O God...
...hear our prayer.

(Used with permission.)