Interrogating the Efficacy of Lament Psalms in Christian Worship: A Conceptual Review

By Uzoma Amos Dike

Abstract

Managing and coping with distress is one aspect of life that remains a puzzle as it always leaves the victim with questions of why. Different cultures and traditions have developed means of handling issues of distress. The Old Testament tradition is not left out – the lament for the Israelite community is the answer. By lament, the focus is on the category of Psalms located within the worship setting that bemoan distressing situations of life and plead for divine intervention. It is important to note that apart from mourning, several times the psalmists’ lament comes in form of a protest in the face of injustice, persecution by enemies, and individual and communal disaster.  The wide acceptance of the psalms in Christian worship by the church also implies acceptance of lament as evidenced in its liturgical use. Unfortunately, this rich tradition is fast eroding from Christian worship, hence the costly loss of lament by Brueggemann.  The alarm notwithstanding, the flame of lament has continued to dwindle in Christian worship. As a means of fanning the flames of lament psalms in Christian worship therefore, this paper cross-examined the efficacy of the lament from the functionalist perspective of religion. A conceptual research method was adopted for the study as already existing information of lament psalms was accessed, observed, and analyzed. This paper demonstrated a paradigm shift from worship to entertainment in Christian gatherings which negates active participation of individuals in worship but encourages a paint-up expression of goodness. The inability to express heartfelt issues of life in worship by believers often leads to depression and worst atheism. Therefore, mobilizing the lament psalms from the context of the functionalist promotes, cohesion, support, and solidarity among believers and the society around them.