Psalms of Lament

by Ann Weems

Here beloved poet Ann Weems offers a poignant rendering of her own personal psalms of lament. She draws from the rich heritage of Scripture to give voice to the grief and anguish she has felt. Her words will deeply move anyone who has mourned.

Genres: Poetry, Religion, Christian, Grief, Church

104 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible collection and it gave me a better perspective on The Psalms as well.

[Becca Lorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another poetic and artistic take on the laments that Christ followers pray. Beautiful, deep, honest.

[Ben Gosden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is life-giving for anyone who knows what it means to lament. As the author says, "This book is for those who weep and for those who weep with those who weep." Weems is a brilliant poet and her work belongs front and center on any Christian's bookshelf.

[Ksredmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have relied on this book for pastoral care journeys.

[Vanessa Siemens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a genuine example of what it means to worship through lament. The author has written 50 psalms of lament that connect with the experience of grief, pain and loss. Each one is beautifully written and heart-wrenching at the same time. The psalms of lament reflect authenticity in expressing an array of emotions and honest questions about God’s presence and activity. This book is a great place to enter lament and wrestle with many of the questions and thoughts that loss brings up in the face of a loving, faithful God.

[Ben Bruster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in my own “My God, why have you forsaken me” moment, I have found great comfort, solidarity, and hope in this book. With each psalm, Weems brilliantly reveals the pain and frustration she feels due to the death of her son. However, she doesn’t stop here. Moving past despair, she pronounces her faith in God, the only one who can heal this unbearable aching. In all, Weems’ words speak to anyone who intimately knows human suffering and is longing to heal.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Scriptural but beautifully written in the form of Psalms to which to which I could really relate.

[KWink · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some helpful phrases and ideas. Much more valuable, though, is the example of lamenting in honest conversation with the Lord

[Brian White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found these poems to be uneven in quality. There were probably about a half dozen that really struck a chord with me. The first half of the book was repetitious and I was tempted to stop reading. I was glad I didn't as some of the best psalms were toward the end of the book. The introduction by Walter Brueggemann was worth the price of the book.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful bedside book for a few short lines before sleep