Psalm 130 Prayer Guide 

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: “Father, I am so deep in the depths of the dark, so pressed down, covered over, long-forgotten, that sun and sky and light and laughter seem like nothing more than a dim dream. But could it be that even here my cries do not fall on deaf ears? That even in this quiet grave, you are- somehow- with me?” (Endless Grace, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 130). Part 2 Slowly read Psalm 130 (NIV) out loud: (for an audio version click here) 1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; 2 Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. 3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. 5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. 7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. 8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. 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 130 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day. from The Psalm Library (2021) by CJ Armstrong and Kip Fox. Center for Worship Leadership, Concordia University Irvine. from the album ‘Joy Beyond Sorrow’ (2012) by Indelible Grace. igracemusic.com