Learning to Lament: Our Heavenly Father’s Embrace When We Grieve

“There is perhaps nothing more important in our suffering than knowing how to turn to the Lord, talk it out, and move towards a place of trust. Learning such faith in the midst of grief is the topic of this book. Pastorally sensitive and amply rooted in Scripture, it leads us through the ‘turning, telling, praying, and trusting’ of lament. The author handles the mystery of suffering with care, leading us to Christ, who bore ultimate darkness for us. Some dos and don’ts towards the end of the book represent seasoned wisdom from decades of local church ministry. Questions at the conclusion of chapters not only invite personal reflection but make this a resource that can usefully be read one-to-one or in a small group. May this book lead many hurting believers into the arms of their loving Father.”

“Paul Mallard writes honestly and movingly from his own personal experiences of profound and inexplicable loss. With gentle wisdom, heartfelt sensitivity, and deep biblical knowledge, he helps us to see the importance of lament in the Christian life. He guides us in how to use biblical words to express our pain and discover afresh the heart of God himself. This is a much-needed book for all those who grieve and those who seek to accompany and support them on their journey.”

“In Learning to Lament, we hear the gentle voice of a pastor sharing truths he himself has learned from the Good Shepherd, our Lord Jesus. Pastorally wise, biblically faithful, and full of helpful illustrations, written in a style accessible to all, this book helps us face up to the unavoidable reality of the many types of painful losses that cause deep grief. Paul Mallard enables believers in our Lord Jesus to see that learning to lament is a necessary part of the normal Christian life: we are encouraged to turn, tell, pray, and trust in the Father of Compassion and the God of all comfort. This is no sugar-coated discipleship. But as well as addressing the distressing realities of life in a fallen world, Paul helps believers to rest their heads on the pillows of God’s sovereignty, goodness, and wisdom. Reading this book alone will nourish your soul, teach you to lament, and help you ‘move from “why?” to worship.” Reading the book with others will stimulate honest discussion, Christ-centred encouragement, and mutual support. Having read Learning to Lament, I want my friends to read it too!”