2020 and Lament Avenue Vineyard January 03 2021

2020 and Lament Avenue Vineyard January 03, 2021

Psalm 136: 1 -26 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. 2 O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. 3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;

Psalm 136: 1 -26 cont’d who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; 5 who spread out the earth on the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever; 6 who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever; 7 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever; 8 9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;

Psalm 136: 1 -26 cont’d who struck Egypt through their firstborn, for his steadfast love endures forever; and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever; 11 with a strong hand an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever; 12 who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever; 13 and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever; 14 but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever; 15

Psalm 136: 1 -26 cont’d who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever; who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever… 17 and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever; 21 a heritage to his servant Israel, for his steadfast love endures forever. 22

Psalm 136: 1 -26 cont’d It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever; 24 who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever. 25 O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. 26

Psalm 22: 1 -2 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest. ” 2

“It is no part of the Christian vocation, then, to be able to explain what’s happening and why. In fact, it is part of the Christian vocation not to be able to explain—and to lament instead. As the Spirit laments within us, so we become, even in our self-isolation, small shrines where the presence and healing love of God can dwell. ” N. T. Wright

Lament is a form of praise.

Lament is a proof of the relationship.

Lament is a pathway to intimacy with God.

Lament is a prayer for God to act.

Lament is a participation in the pain of others.

J. R. R. Tolkien Go back? " he thought. "No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!" So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter. ”