Wait for the salvation of the Lord
Lamentations 1:1-6 NRSV
How lonely sits the city that once was full of people! How like a widow she has become, she that was great among the nations! She that was a princess among the provinces has become a vassal. She weeps bitterly in the night, with tears on her cheeks; among all her lovers she has no one to comfort her; all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they have become her enemies. Judah has gone into exile with suffering and hard servitude; she lives now among the nations, and finds no resting place; her pursuers have all overtaken her in the midst of her distress.
The roads to Zion mourn, for no one comes to the festivals; all her gates are desolate, her priests groan; her young girls grieve and her lot is bitter. Her foes have become the masters, her enemies prosper, because the Lord has made her suffer for the multitude of her transgressions; her children have gone away, captives before the foe. From daughter Zion has departed all her majesty. Her princes have become like stags that find no pasture; they fled without strength before the pursuer.
Sermon on the Mount Confession of Sin[1]
Blessed Jesus, You offered us all your blessings when you announced:
- “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” but we have been rich in pride.
- “Blessed are those who mourn,” but we have not known much sorrow for our sin.
- “Blessed are the meek,” but we are a stiff-necked people.
- “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” but we are filled to the full with other things.
- “Blessed are the merciful,” but we are harsh and impatient.
- “Blessed are the pure in heart,” but we have impure hearts.
- “Blessed are the peacemakers,” but we have not sought reconciliation.
- “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,” but our lives do not challenge the world.
- “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me,” but we have hardly made it known that we are yours.
Your Law is holy, and your benedictions are perfect, but they are both too great for us. You alone are blessed. We plead with you to forgive our sins and give us the blessing of your righteousness. Amen.
Lamentations 3:19-26 NRSV
The thought of my affliction and my homelessness is wormwood and gall! My soul continually thinks of it and is bowed down within me.
But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Mourning Yet Hopeful
Based on Lamentations 1:1-6; 3:19-26
Hymn tune: Great is Thy Faithfulness
Lonely, abandoned, though once full of glory;
Status now changed from a sovereign to slave.
All who were once thought to be friends forever,
Now turn their backs as if leaving a grave.
Mourning and bitterness, sin’s awful consequence,
Fill all my days with great sorrow and loss;
Yet, there is hope! God’s great love never ceases!
Christ died to give joy and peace on the Cross.
Once life was mirth, like a great celebration;
In jubilee God ignored, cast aside.
Life now is desolate; grieving and groaning;
Foes are now masters, our enemies pride.
God in his faithfulness does not abandon
His wayward children to depravity;
The Lord is good! His redemption will cover
All sin, rebellion, and iniquity.
Great is Thy Faithfulness / My Redeemer is Faithful and True
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Corinthians 4.15).
[1]Prayer used in worship at Cayce Presbyterian Church, Cayce, SC on September 28, 2025.
