{"id":24230,"date":"2026-03-11T15:48:25","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T15:48:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gpbookstore.org\/articles\/uncategorized\/how-to-pray-during-lifes-darkest-moments\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T06:17:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T06:17:52","slug":"how-to-pray-during-lifes-darkest-moments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gpbookstore.org\/articles\/prayer\/how-to-pray\/how-to-pray-during-lifes-darkest-moments\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Pray During Life\u2019s Darkest Moments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today\u2019s guest blogger is Sue Schlesman<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Have you ever complained to God? Have you ever cried out to Him in anger? Grief? Frustration? Have you ever felt that <\/em>desperate?<\/p>\n

It might seem unspiritual, but it\u2019s a thoroughly biblical way to pray. It\u2019s called a lament. It\u2019s a prayer from the gut, not the head. Laments escape during the darkest moments of life\u2014after betrayal, loss or grief. Laments require boxes of tissues. They don\u2019t need words.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve lamented a good bit\u2014sometimes months at a time\u2014just processing grief and heartache with the One who understands me best. When I lament, I find someplace quiet to sit in God\u2019s presence, to cry and groan. (Paul says that the Holy Spirit interprets wordless prayers to the Father; see Romans 8:26.) Sometimes I grumble or rage at Him. (Job and Moses did that; see Job 7:7-21 and Exodus 17:4.)<\/p>\n

Sometimes I form questions that never get answered. (David was a pro at this; see Psalm 13:1-2.) Even Jesus cried out in desperation, quoting David\u2019s words in Psalm 22:1-2. This is lamenting.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, a lament is a prayer that acknowledges one\u2019s dependence and vulnerability. It requires faith to cry out<\/em>\u2014not just cry\u2014and helps release anxiety over things we cannot control.<\/p>\n

Here are a few things you can include in a lament:<\/p>\n