Abstract:
Prayer is an integral part of the believer's communion with God. It reflects different dimensions and functions in the faith-relationship
between God and man. Worship, praise, thanksgiving, intercession, petition, confession and trust are only a few to be mentioned. A neglected aspect of the prayer experience is the lament. Prayer is, in this sense, an exposure of the self and the circumstances of the petitioner
before God. The purpose of this article is to illuminate the theological meaning of the lament as prayer for the individual and the faith community. Prayer is also understood within the broader scope of different expressive human deeds. It is a process which mediates perspective and essential change in the life of the believer and faith community. In a final application it is argued that the lament-prayer can contribute to change and renewal in a transitional and disturbed South African church and society.
