Updated on
June 17, 2024
Video length
41 mins
Lament shows us that it takes time to recognize the depth of the brokenness of our souls, families, communities, and world. In the midst of the darkest night, there is Light ever-present and hope in our sorrow. We will express our lament, gratitude, and prayers to God, all carried in poetry, scripture, and the moving language of jazz music shared by Ruth Naomi Floyd and her quartet.

Order of 91ÁÔÆæ

Welcome and Prayer 

Reading by Madeleine L’Engle 

Response: II Corinthians 4:8-10 

Song: “Trouble So Hardâ€
Text and Music: African American Spiritual; arr. Aaron Graves © 2018 Imani’s Faith Publishing
All rights reserved. ASCAP #500625384. 

Reading by James Baldwin

Response: Psalm 42:7-11

Song: “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seenâ€
Text and Music: African American Spiritual; arr. Aaron Graves © 2012 Imani’s Faith Publishing
All rights reserved. ASCAP #500625384.

Reading by Christian Wiman

Response: Psalm 40:11 

Song: “Surroundedâ€
Text and Music: Ruth Naomi Floyd © 2013 NaRu Inc.
Used by permission.

Reading by Chinua Achebe

Response: Romans 5:3-4

Song: “Press Onâ€
Text: Frederick Douglass Lyrics Assembled
Music: Ruth Naomi Floyd © 2019 NaRu Inc.
Used by permission. 

Prayer of Blessing 

Recent Media Resources

Video History
A Snapshot of Illness, Pain, and Healing in Early Christianity

How did early Christians understand their illness and pain in their Greco-Roman context?

August 27, 2025 | 65 min video
Video Cultural Diversity Faith Formation
Contextual Stories from Hispanic 91ÁÔÆæing Communities

Pastors of three Hispanic churches will share what they learned from experiences implementing congregational projects related to the development of new understandings and practices of worship and preaching.

August 27, 2025 | 59 min video