Psalm 88 Prayer Guide

Psalm 88 - A Psalm of Lament (Disorientation) by Pastor Paul Dugan Try entering into lament with this three-part rhythm: Part 1 Become present to the presence of God: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:10-11) Pause in silence before God. Practice breathing slowly and deeply. As you inhale, invite the Holy Spirit to fill every part of your being- your body, mind, imagination, affections and emotions. As you exhale, release any burdens you are carrying into this time of prayer. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self -‘as is’ -before the presence of God. Optional prayer of approach: “Christ, my only hope in life and death, fan the flames of trust within me. I twist and groan in the dark, pining for deliverance, aching for comfort- the steady voice of your Spirit, to tell me this is not the end. If you have ever heard me, Lord, hear me now…” (Endless Grace, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 88). Part 2 Slowly read Psalm 88 (ESV) out loud: (for an audio version click here) 1 O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you. 2 Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry! 3 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. 4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am a man who has no strength, 5 like one set loose among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, like those whom you remember no more, for they are cut off from your hand. 6 You have put me in the depths of the pit, in the regions dark and deep. 7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you overwhelm me with all your waves. 8 You have caused my companions to shun me; you have made me a horror to them. I am shut in so that I cannot escape; 9 my eye grows dim through sorrow. Every day I call upon you, O Lord; I spread out my hands to you. 10 Do you work wonders for the dead? Do the departed rise up to praise you? Selah 11 Is your steadfast love declared in the grave, or your faithfulness in Abaddon? 12 Are your wonders known in the darkness, or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? 13 But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you. 14 O Lord, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you hide your face from me? 15 Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am helpless. 16 Your wrath has swept over me; your dreadful assaults destroy me. 17 They surround me like a flood all day long; they close in on me together. 18 You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me; my companions have become darkness. Part 3 Pray your own lament psalm- for yourself, or on behalf of someone who is suffering in your world. Describe the trouble in detail to God. Express your honest emotions: "Lord, I am feeling sad about…; "… angry…; “… afraid… Bring him your honest questions: "Lord, why….?; "How long, Lord, before you…?; "Where are you in…? Make your plea to God: "Please, Lord…; "Remember back when you…; Do it again, Lord!” The psalms were originally written as lyrics, as prayers set to music. Throughout the history of Israel and the church, the people of God have sung the psalms. Song invites us to internalize the Word of God with the whole self- body, mind, imagination, emotions and affections. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 88 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day. from the album, ‘Lamentations’ (2016) by Bifrost Arts. bifrostartsmusic.bandcamp.com from the album ‘Psalm Songs, Vol 3’ (2021) by Corner Room. cornerroommusic.com