Pray Like a Gourmet by Brazzeal David

Author:Brazzeal, David
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Paraclete Press
Published: 2015-04-22T16:00:00+00:00

There are times in life when you need to allow yourself to be sad, when it is appropriate to lament, when your soul cries out to mourn. It could be after the senseless slaughter of innocent school children by a crazed gunman or on becoming aware of the systemic evil of human trafficking on a global scale or upon learning of the untimely death of someone you love. Let me suggest that instead of fighting this natural urge, you not only allow it to happen but encourage it. Not only encourage it, but decide to do it well—intentionally create a special time and space to lament.

It may seem weird, but there’s something about lament that I welcome. Tragedy has a cruel way of ripping off the masks of self-sufficiency and self-satisfaction. It yells in the streets, “No! Everything is not A-okay!” It cracks apart our airtight theologies about God having everything under control. It forces us to get real and really struggle with the big questions of life. It cautions us that this life journey we are on is not easily comprehended with a few sermon points but demands a lifetime of wisdom to even begin to fathom. Allowing yourself space to intentionally lament signifies that you are beginning to adjust to and accept the untidiness of real-life spirituality.

Keep in mind, though, that lamentation needs to be sandwiched together with other kinds of prayer. Just as a feeble-legged friend walks best when being propped up on both sides by understanding and cooperative friends, Lament is healthier when Praise and Thanksgiving come alongside to lighten the load. The practice of lamenting will take some time and some thought. It may seem strange at first. But eventually your soul will thank you. Here are some practical suggestions:

LAMENT ART: Let your personal giftedness lead the way. How does your unique soul prefer to express itself? Does it write words or draw pictures? Does it sing songs or dance to rhythms? Does it take pictures or video? Does it prefer poetry or prose? Oils or collage? Piano or guitar? You don’t have to be a professional. This may even be your first foray into the arts. No one ever has to see it or hear it, but set aside some time for your soul to express its sadness through art. There is a depth of your soul that runs much deeper than words or platitudes. This is precisely where art and metaphor are your soul’s best friends. Begin working on a project that addresses a sadness in your human spirit. Let the artistic expression be just for you. Don’t get sidetracked by thinking of other people’s opinions or even your own deep feelings of grief or insecurity. This art will be between you and God. Know that he understands the feeling behind every brush stroke, each phrase of song or each layer of clay.

CONTROLLED LAMENT: I set aside time occasionally for what I call a “controlled lament” and find it spiritually therapeutic. It is not a time to “fix” the situation, nor even a prayer for God to fix it.

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