Psalms of Lament in Public Worship
I'm beginning work on a Psalms of Lament project soon as part of my Dissertation. Here's a few thoughts from my Prospectus
Having the Psalms of Lament presented in public worship is a theological activity unmatched by any other experience in a congregant’s life. They will not experience it elsewhere, and yet the Church is often silent on lament.
Where else will they have the opportunity to read or sing the Psalmist’s poetry alongside a brother or sister in Christ? Poetry can be read silently, but it is meant to be spoken. Shakespeare can be studied, but it is meant to be enacted. The Psalms are Scripture, but they are meant to be celebrated, internalized (and externalized), and presented in the context of corporate worship.
The Psalms exist to unite the believer in a unique way, allowing one to sing the words of God back to God in praise of God. In regard to the Psalms of Lament, we are singing back to God the very questions, concerns, and doubts that He himself has raised through David’s pen.