A Psalm of Lament
For a Patriarchal Church
Hello Friends,
I had something a little different mapped out for this month, but on the heels of Harrison Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine and the news from the Vatican concerning the roles of women in liturgical matters, I’ve chosen to share a Psalm of Imprecation I wrote for my current class. In my final course at Fuller, I am studying how the Psalms can aid our spiritual formation. I am honored to come full circle and take a course from one of my favorite professors, W. David O. Taylor, who taught my first class over 7 years ago!
Quick overview of imprecation, or curse, psalms. These psalms cry out to God as a form of lament. Utilizing the structure of lament psalms, they move from complaint, to petition, and conclude with a response of the faithful. Interspersed throughout these sections are refrains, or prayers to God for the congregation. I’ll add the structure I was given in class at the end for if you’d like to write your own; it was a new experience for me but one of immense healing and peace. I pray that reading or writing psalms of all kinds serves to bring you closer to our Lord in a similar manner.
For a Patriarchal Church
God, your church is besieged by blindness to the multifaceted gifts of women,
By those who feel their gender permits them ownership, exclusivity, and deafening pride.
Who spout falsehoods about your daughters, who make us small to create an illusion of their own grandeur.
O El Roi, look upon the difficulties of your daughters.
God of my foremothers, cast down those whose steps climb the path of belittling the marginalized.
Spear the hearts of those who permit abuse, break down the walls built of years of entitlement, spurn those who fail to hear the cries of those in need.
Speak truth to those who fester in lies. Let your love and respect for women ring out in the hallowed halls, in the sacred spaces, in our church.
El Roi, we sing to you of Miriam, of Deborah, of Mary Magdalene, Priscilla and Chloe, remember us too.
I know you are a God who sees me, who created me female, who works in my heart – and the hearts of each of your daughters.
I see the men who empower and support us in our call - the Boaz to our Ruth - who witness our strength and do not fear it.
You, my God who describes himself in terms of motherhood, acknowledge our worth. See our desire to serve You and your people. And empower us to walk forward in faith, trusting your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
El Roi, as Hagar knew, you see me as I see you. I praise you for the duality of sight, for the strengths of both genders, for the example of respect you modeled as a man, and for the women who formed and shaped your church.
If you enjoyed this piece, would you consider sharing it on social media or with a friend? Thank you for taking the time to read my work!
Recommendations
‘Open and Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life’ by my professor W. David O. Taylor. This book has drastically changed the way I read and understand the psalms, especially as someone who gave up on poetry in 10th grade. Professor Taylor does a beautiful job of making this personal while weaving in research, quotes from other theologians, and concluding with exercises and prayers that are truly enriching. Highly recommend as a theology/spiritual formation book that is readable and fascinating!
This fabulous, funny, blisteringly honest piece by my friend Madison Chastain on Harrison Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine. She calls out the hypocrisy of a football kicker speaking on religion telling others to ‘Stay in their lane.’ Truth with a dash of sass, perfect!
An article from America Magazine on the interview in which the Pope spoke about the lack space for women in the diconate. A fair piece that articulates well historical and scriptural basis while also explaining Pope Francis’ reticence.
Another great piece on the Harrison Butker situation from US Catholic magazine. Emphasizing the vibrance of the Church based on women’s diverse contributions.
Finally, an article of mine that was wildly fun to write for Busted Halo A Good Dog: How ‘Bluey’ Inspires Goodness for the Whole Family. For all my parents, lovers of kids shows, and simply those interested in how we see virtue in media.
The format of a Psalm of Imprecation or Lament Psalm is below. Please feel free to comment or share and tag me as I would truly love to read yours!
Three Statements of Complaint for the Speaker
Refrain of acclamation or prayer for God from the congregation (ex. Lord, you make all things new. Oh Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.)
Three Statements of Petition for the Speaker
Refrain of acclamation or prayer for God from the congregation
Three Statements of Resolution for the Speaker
Concluding Refrain of acclamation or prayer
If you would like to really immerse yourself in Hebrew style poetry use succinct phrases, specific and concrete statements, and evocative imagery and metaphors.