It seems like the whole world is holding its collective breath.
I’m writing this soon after the US dropped bombs on three nuclear sites in Iran, entering the Israel-Iran conflict. Now we wait to see if and how the Iranians will choose to retaliate. And we hold our breath hoping that this war doesn’t escalate.
We hold our breath while deep in our soul we may be crying out to God, “Where are you God? When will it end?”
I admit I am holding my breath from a position of privilege. I am not one of the tens of thousands who are mourning the loss of one or many loved ones, friends, and acquaintances, the seemingly acceptable level of war’s collateral damage. Neither am I experiencing the impact of withheld resources. Nor am I standing vigil at the side of someone struggling with mental illness or nearing their last breath or any of another multitude of reasons to be overcome with grief and despair. Still, this world seems out of control, and I hold my breath.
This sense of discombobulation is not unique to this moment in time. Can you imagine living in a time when acts of nature were not understood but were taken to be direct signs of God’s favor or judgment? A thunderstorm, high winds at sea, dust storms—all were experienced not as natural but supernatural. The world seemed out of control.
While the present crisis may pass, it is sure to be replaced by something else. For all those times when we feel like we are holding our breath while our soul cries out, we need Psalm 77: an invitation to bring our laments to God, to remember God’s faithfulness, and give thanks for all that is good.
The Litany
The following litany uses Psalm 77 from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. This version was chosen in part because it begins with the present tense “I cry” rather than the past tense “I cried,” which is found in other translations.
This litany requires a leader and a reader of the psalm. By using two voices you make it clear what is spoken from the psalms and what is the leader’s own words. The leader will need to introduce how the lament and remembrances sections will work and also prepare the words of complaint.
It would work best in a high trust worshiping community as it does request some vulnerability on the part of those gathered. If this is too big a stretch for your context, adjust the invitations and encourage individual reflection or writing during those times. Alternatively, you could write and voice the laments, remembrances, and thanksgivings on behalf of those gathered.
You may want to have instrumental music playing in the background during the lament, remembrance, and thanksgiving times to help encourage people to speak aloud and cover any awkward silence. It may also be wise to approach a few bolder members of your community, explain what is going to be asked, and have them ready to speak aloud.
Our Complaint: [A reading of this week’s headlines and other concerns related to your nation, province/state, city/town/region, and worshiping community.]
Reading: Vs. 1–3
I cry aloud to God,
aloud to God, that he may hear me.
In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;
in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;
my soul refuses to be comforted.
I think of God, and I moan;
I meditate, and my spirit faints. Selah
Our Lament: [An invitation for each person to speak their prayers aloud, all at the same time, in a cacophony of lament.]
Reading: Vs. 10
And I say, “It is my grief
that the right hand of the Most High has changed.”
Leader:
But has God changed? Isn’t God the same day after day? Did God promise us that we would never feel the impact of our sin and the sin of this world? No. God has not promised us a life without tears, but God has promised to be faithful to us, and journey with us in good and bad times. Sometimes it is comforting to remember the ways God has shown up for us in the past in order to live in faith and have hope for the future.
Reading: Vs. 11–15
I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord;
I will remember your wonders of old.
I will meditate on all your work
and muse on your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
you have displayed your might among the peoples.
With your strong arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
Our Remembrances: [An invitation for each person to speak their remembrances of God’s faithfulness aloud, all at the same time, in a cacophony of remembrance.]
Reading: Vs. 16–20
When the waters saw you, O God,
when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
the very deep trembled.
The clouds poured out water;
the skies thundered;
your arrows flashed on every side.
The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
your lightnings lit up the world;
the earth trembled and shook.
Your way was through the sea,
your path through the mighty waters,
yet your footprints were unseen.
You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
—New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Our Thanksgivings: [An invitation for each person to speak about where they are seeing God at work right now and for what they are thankful in the moment, all at the same time, in a cacophony of thanksgiving. Alternatively, a leader could offer a prayer of thanksgiving for new births, marriages, and other reasons people in your community are celebrating.]
Sung Testimony of Faith:
Goodness of God Bethel Music/Cash et al.
Great is Thy Faithfulness Chisholm
How Firm a Foundation Keen and Keith
Promises Maverick City/Bowe et al
The Lord is My Salvation Getty and Getty
Whom Shall I Fear/God of Angel Armies Tomlin and Cash