Bent For Lent || The Playbook: Praying the Psalms
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol || Pastor
How honest can we be with God?
In a powerful, 2001 episode of the "West Wing" titled "Two Cathedrals," President Bartlet is seen approaching the chancel area of the National Cathedral. His beloved secretary has been killed by a drunk driver, and her funeral has just ended. The President calls God a few names that wouldn't all be appropriate for a church email, lights a cigarette, stomps on it, and walks out. It's an extraordinary look at what lament looks and sounds like. Take a few minutes to watch it.
Are we allowed to be this angry, this honest, this disappointed with God? If we use the Psalms as our guide, the answer is "yes." The 150 prayers contain countless emotions we experience throughout our lives, revealing the power of authentic conversation with God.