Lamentations

Do you want to drive home the crucifixion?  Do you dare to spend a moment on the cross with Jesus?  Then read through Lamentations but every line that refers to Israel, Judah or the people of God, change to Jesus.

"[You] sit on the ground,

    [Jesus is] silent.

[You] cast dust on [your] head,

     [you] have put on sackcloth;

the [beloved Son of Man]

    [has] bowed [his] head down to the ground.

My eyes have spent all their tears;

    my stomach is in torment,

my heart is poured out on the earth

    because of the destruction of the [Son of God],

because [Jesus] faint[s]

    in the public squares of a city.

To [his mother he says],

    “Where is the bread and wine?”

as [he] faint[s] like the wounded

    in the public squares of a city,

as [his] life is being poured out

    onto the bosom of [his mother].

What can I say for you? What can I compare to you,

    O [Son of the Most High]?

To what can I liken you so that I can comfort you,

    O [True Child of Zion]?

For your destruction is as vast as the sea;

    who can heal you?"