This year in Beyond the Weekend, journey through different biblical models of prayer—one each month. August’s focus is Lament: bringing our grief and struggle honestly to God.

Read: John 11:32–36 | Listen: John 11

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:32b

Jesus arrives in Bethany four days after Lazarus dies. For many Jews, the fourth day is important because it signifies that Lazarus is officially dead. Mary’s first words to Jesus reflect someone who has witnessed the power of Jesus firsthand. She falls at his feet, weeping, surrounded by her crying friends. When Jesus sees their grief, he is deeply moved. John records Jesus’s response with a short, powerful statement: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Jesus steps into his friends’ sadness. He does not ignore their pain or rush past it. He shares it. His tears reveal his compassion, love, and deep care for those who are hurting. 

Jesus is the same today. Because he is fully God, he has the power to help us. Because he is fully human, he understands what it feels like to experience loss, sadness, disappointment, and pain. We never have to hide our emotions from him. He welcomes our honest prayers. Lament is bringing our sorrow to God while choosing to trust him. We may not understand what he is doing, but we can believe he is with us. Our tears never push him away. Instead, he meets us with compassion and reminds us that he is near to the brokenhearted.

TODAY: Bring your honest emotions to Jesus in prayer. “Jesus, this is what is hurting: ______. I don’t understand why this has happened, and it feels heavy. Thank you for listening without turning away. Help me trust you even when I don’t have answers. Remind me that you are with me, that you love me, and that your promises are true. Bring your peace to my heart. Amen.”