Raw Prayers: Praying Through Our PainSample

SACRIFICE OF PRAISE

Psalm 22’s title indicates that it was meant to be sung during temple worship. It may seem counterintuitive to share such vulnerable thoughts and feelings publicly, but the truth is we’re meant to live in community with God and each other. Lamenting our struggles in congregational worship acknowledges our need for God’s intervention and invites others to walk alongside us. We are not meant to carry these burdens alone.

As David poetically offered his personal struggles to God, everyone around him witnessed his pain being transformed to worship. His process became a source of faith for others as he laid his heart bare on the altar.

The tone of David’s prayer changed dramatically in verse 22 when he started praising God and instructing those around him to do the same. Verse 25 suggests that he had received the relief he sought. According to the NIV Study Bible, “A vow was a solemn promise to offer a gift to God in response to a divine deliverance or blessing.” The traditional gift was an offering of cakes and meat sacrificed on the altar. (Leviticus 7:12-16) Israelite law and tradition indicated that an offering of this type should be shared with others in the assembly. By presenting his offering during temple worship, David acknowledged and celebrated God’s response to his prayers, blessing all who were present and highlighting the faithfulness of God.

While we are no longer compelled to offer sacrifices on a physical altar, the incredible value of surrendering our hearts before God and our community remain. Our sacrifices of praise and celebrations of deliverance honor God and become testimonies of encouragement to others in need of comfort.

Ask Yourself:

-How difficult do you find it to share your struggles with others?

-How do you think lamenting your pain with other believers can help you walk through a difficult season?

-Why do you think God instructs us to make this a part of our corporate worship?

Pause to pray through your pain: Father God, You are so faithful and kind. Thank you for showing me the value of sharing my struggles honestly with you and others you place in my life. Grant me the courage to surrender my pain to you today fully. Use it, Lord, to grow me and to encourage others in your love... In Jesus’ name, amen.

Take the Next Step: Consider sharing a current struggle with a small group of believers in your community. Ask them to come alongside you in prayer. Be sure to update them as God responds.