A Prayer of Lament for Afghanistan

So many emotions fill our hearts as we look at the images and videos coming out of Afghanistan, especially the Kabul airport. Even now as I write this, moments ago terrorists in ISIS-K detonated a bomb that killed 13 U.S. service members and at least 90 Afghans.

What can we do on the other side of the world in response to violence, hate, and despair?

What can we do as we process our own anger, frustration, and sorrow for the oppressed, the poor and the marginalized stuck in this chaos?

Certainly, there are many ways to tangibly help Afghan refugees who are coming to Houston. Some of our small groups are compiling welcome kits through Houston Welcomes Refugees, which is a great way to meet real, urgent and pressing needs.

God has also given us a powerful way to process our anger, pain and frustration with the the chaos of this situation through the practice of lament prayers.

A prayer of lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust. It is the journey from the pain of this world toward the promises of God.

The Psalms are filled with laments and each one typically consists of four movements: turn, complain, ask, trust. Consider the movements of this prayer of lament based on Psalm 10 to process your own frustration and sorrow and pray for peace and justice in Afghanistan.

Turn: Turn to the Lord

In times of sorrow and suffering, we may wonder why justice is delayed and the wicked triumph. While we know that while nothing can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:35–39), our grief can make God feel far off and the joy of his presence a distant memory. Begin your prayer time calling out honestly to the Lord in your distress.

Psalm 10:1: Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

Complain: Lament the Wicked Actions in our World

Prayerfully consider sinful actions of the Taliban, particularly their violent oppression of woman, Christians, and other religious minorities in Afghanistan. Lament the brokenness of our world, the horror of war, and the violence, hate and the wickedness that we witness.

Psalm 10:2: In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.

Complain: Lament the Chaotic Situation in Afghanistan

Social media feeds, videos and images show the heartbreaking disarray as people try to leave Afghanistan. Media outlets look for who to blame in the confusion, frustration and chaos.

Psalm 10:4-6: In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.” 5 His ways prosper at all times; your judgments are on high, out of his sight; as for all his foes, he puffs at them. 6 He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved; throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.”

Complain: Lament the Suffering of the Poor and Vulnerable in our World

Wicked actions can oppress and disproportionality affect the poor and the vulnerable. Lament the reality of hearts that deny God’s justice and deny the beautiful image of God in every person. Lament the crushing weight of injustice in our world. As you consider your own thoughts, words, and actions (or a passive indifference), confess and repent for any harm you have caused others.

Psalm 10:8-9: He sits in ambush in the villages; in hiding places he murders the innocent. His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless; 9 he lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket; he lurks that he may seize the poor; he seizes the poor when he draws him into his net.

Complain: Lament the the Suffering of Families who Have Experienced the Ultimate Loss in the War

In 20 years, 2,443 being American soldiers and 3,846 U.S. contractors were killed. 1,144 NATO soldiers were killed. 66,000 Afghan national military and police and 47,245 Afghan civilians were killed. 51,191 Taliban and other opposition fighters were killed. Additionally, there were 444 aid workers and 72 journalists who were killed.

Psalm 10:10-11: The helpless are crushed, sink down, and fall  by his might. He says in his heart, “God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it.”

Ask: Cry to the Lord for Help

In our helplessness, the Lord is a sure refuge. Present your requests to him, ask him for help, seek him, and remember his promises. Ask God to do justice and to give you a heart like his—one that seeks to correct oppression where you can and care for the vulnerable.

• Pray that members of the Taliban would see Jesus as Savior and King and put their faith in Him. Pray for more dreams and visions in the Muslim world.

• Pray for justice in Afghanistan. Pray for a government that protects life and civil liberties.

• Pray for the safety of Christians who are fleeing and in hiding in the mountains.

• Pray for wisdom, courage, decisiveness and compassionate hearts in our national leaders as they make decisions in this crisis: Pray for President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and others.

• Pray for the Afghani refugees departing their country, especially those resettling in Houston.

• Pray for protection of Afghani women and that their dignity, value, and worth as image-bearers would be seen and acted upon.

• Pray that we would not be blind to our own prejudices.

Psalm 10:12-15: Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted. 13 Why does the wicked renounce God and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”? 14 But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation, that you may take it into your hands; to you the helpless commits himself; you have been the helper of the fatherless. 15 Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till you find none.

Trust: Trust in the Character of God

God is sovereign over all things and one day, He will return to right every wrong and wipe away all tears. As we experience His goodness in the “already”, we anxiously await for the “not yet” of His coming. Spend some time meditating on what you’ve been learning through this event. What is God’s Word teaching you? What truths about God are comforting your soul? How is this experience changing you to be more like Christ?

Psalm 10:16-18: The LORD is king forever and ever; the nations perish from his land. 17 O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear 18 to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.