The psalms of communal lament are a group of Pslam Forms from the Hebrew Bible, classified by their focus on laments expressing deep sorrow for the travails of a nation and as a group asking for God's blessing. Psalms of communal laments were more commonly found in printed Psalters following major natural disasters.

Structure

The motifs of the communal lament psalm are very similar to the individual lament, but includes a corporate form of language and a focus on motivating God to bless the nation and smite its enemies.

A Communal Lament essentially consists of five possible parts:

• The Address and Introductory Petition
• The Lament Proper
• National Confession of Trust
• The Petition Proper and Motivation
• Vow of Praise

List of Psalms of Communal Lament

Using the Hebrew numbering system, the following are traditionally categorized as psalms of communal lament:

• Psalm 42
• Psalm 60
• Psalm 74
• Psalm 79
• Psalm 80
• Psalm 85

Purpose

The reading and reflection on these psalms are intended to express empathy for people suffering as a result of great loss.

---

Source: Wikipedia | The above article is available under the GNU FDL. | Edit this article