Here’s
a responsive litany of lament based on Psalm 22:1-15 and Job 23:1-9,16-17 – two
of the suggested scripture readings for Proper 23 B (the 20th Sunday
after Pentecost). It was written by Jeff
Shrowder.
Lament
(Psalm 22:1-15 and Job
23:1-9, 16-17)
Job Then Job answered: “Again today my
complaint is bitter;
his heavy hand increases my
groaning.
If only I knew where I might find
him,
that I might come to his place!
Left Where are you God, where are you??
Nothing compares with the pain of your absence.
Right God, I cry out for you all day, and there is
no answer — nothing;
but at night there is no silence or
rest from my inner turmoil.
Job I would set out my case in front of him,
and fill my mouth with arguments.
I would learn what his defense would
be,
and understand his reply to me.
Left Yet you are holy,
the praises of your people in every generation are your
throne;
Right those who trusted in you, and whom you
delivered;
those who cried out to you and were
not disappointed.
Job Would he use his great power to debate
with me?
No; but he would hear what I have to
say.
There a sincere person could argue
it with him,
and I should be successful in my
case
Left But in my present circumstance I am not
worth calling human,
rather, I’m the scorn of all humanity, despised by
everyone.
It makes no difference who sees me,
without exception they curl their lip and shake their
head:
Right “He trusted in the LORD, let the LORD look
out for him,
let the LORD rescue him if he
delights in him.”
It’s as though they know you’re
nowhere near.
Left Yes, you brought me out of the womb,
and made me safe on my mother’s breasts.
I was cast on you at birth;
all my life you have been my God.
Job If I go east, he is not there;
and west – I cannot make him out;
to the north he hides, and I cannot
see him;
I turn to the south, but I cannot
look at him.
Right Don’t be so far away right now;
there is trouble almost upon me, and
no one to help.
I am surrounded by fearful
intimidating strength,
circling about me, around and
around.
Left I haven’t the strength to withstand their
taunts or your absence;
my body is feeble,
and the very core of my being has melted like wax.
Job God has made my heart weak;
the Almighty has filled me with
terror;
Indeed, I am silenced by the
darkness,
and thick darkness covers my face!
Right I’ve become paralysed and speechless –
and you have set me in the dust of
death.
~ Copyright
© 200, 2012 Jeff Shrowder. Posted on The Billabong. For
use in worship, with acknowledgement.
