Lamentations of Jeremiah 2 “A Bold Prayer”

Lamentations 2 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:      

• With Us – Hillsong
• Good Good Father – Chris Tomlin
• MercyMe – Even If

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Jesus Prays by Saddleback Kids – Lesson for Younger Kids
• Jesus Prayed | Bible Story | LifeKids – Lesson for Older Kids
• Standing in the Need of Prayer | Scuba VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Pray About Everything (Philippians 4:6-7)| Kingdom Rock VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Only a Prayer Away | HLA Babylon Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

This psalm critiques God’s act of judgment in the strongest language found in all the psalms of Scripture. It was Nebuchadnezzar who destroyed Judah. Yet such disaster came because God allowed his evil deeds to go unchecked. Therefore, the psalmist places responsibility for all this calamity on God (vv. 1–10). In nearly every sentence, the subject is “the Lord…” The psalmist understands that God was determined to destroy Israel and Judah “as if he were an enemy” (vv. 4, 5). Even the temple, where God had placed his name, and the priests who served him there were all rejected. Although they acknowledge that they had angered God, they confess that they never imagined he would trample them so mercilessly.

From verse 11 onward, the poet shifts to the first-person voice. He becomes “Virgin Daughter Zion” and describes the suffering caused by God’s judgment. Through this, the pain experienced by the people of Judah is felt even more vividly. Here, the poet focuses on the suffering of infants and children; in order to highlight the horrific pain, they endured because of God’s judgment (vv. 11–12). All of this happened because the prophets had spoken false prophecies. Jerusalem, once the pride of Judah, has now fallen into an object of mockery by those who pass by (vv. 13–17).

The psalmist urges the people of Judah to cry out to God day and night, weeping as they plead for deliverance (vv. 18–22). The only hope left is to make known to the Lord how great their suffering truly is. His judgment was just, but if God comes to see how immense their suffering has been, perhaps he might yet change his heart.

Meditation:

In the Psalms, we occasionally encounter what are called imprecatory psalms. Psalm 109 is a representative example. In it, the psalmist comes before God and prays for vengeance against his enemies. The language and expressions used in the prayer are shocking. They make us wonder, “Is it really okay to pray like this before God?”

If imprecatory psalms are prayers that hurl curses at other people before God, then Lamentations 2 is a prayer that hurls curses at God himself. It goes one step further. It holds God responsible for all the disasters that the people of Judah suffered. The poet admits that they committed sins deserving of punishment but protests that God went too far. No matter how great his anger was, did even infants—who could not tell right from wrong—have to suffer as well? It is truly a bold and audacious prayer.

When we realize that imprecatory psalms are included in the Psalms, and that such a bold prayer addressed to God is included in Lamentations, it is, in fact, a great relief. This is because we, too, sometimes find ourselves in similar situations. When we have been wronged so deeply that it feels unbearable, and there is nothing we can do in our own strength, we pour out our sense of injustice before God. At times, we become overwhelmed by feelings such as, “God is being too harsh with me,” or “God has abandoned me.” In such moments, we must come before God and pour out our hearts exactly as they are.

We should not always try to live a “proper and upright” life before God. Doing so can actually suffocate our relationship with him. When we stand before God, we must be truthful and honest. If there is anger or bitterness within us, we should pour it out before him just as it is. That is because our God is the one who receives all of it and restores us.

Prayer:

Lord, you are like a strict father, yet you treat us with the heart of a compassionate mother. You ask of us high standards, but when we fall and are broken, you lift us up and hold us fast. At times you raise the rod, yet you also bind up the wounds left by the blows and weep over us. Therefore, whether we fail or stumble, we rely on you alone. Even in death, we desire to die within your embrace. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Even when we feel angry, sad, confused, or think God has been unfair, we can speak honestly to Him. God does not reject our true feelings—He listens, receives them, and brings healing.

• For Preschool-Elementary:
  • When you feel sad or upset, who do you like to talk to?Have you ever felt mad or confused about something that happened?
  • What do you think God wants you to do with those feelings?
  • How does it make you feel to know that God listens even when we cry or complain?
    
• Youth:
  • Why do you think the Bible includes prayers that sound angry or bold toward God? What does that say about God’s character?
  • Have you ever felt like God was being unfair or distant?
  • What usually stops people from saying that honestly in prayer?
  • How might being more honest with God change your prayer life—especially during stressful times like school, friendships, or family struggles?