Lament Psalms | Psalm 13
Part 2 of The Psalms: A Complete Guide to Honest Prayer

Featuring a conversation between Ted Coniaris and Aubrey Sampson, with introduction and conclusion from John Ciesniewski.

What if faith isn't about pretending everything is okay?

Psalm 13 shows us that some of the most faithful prayers in Scripture begin with questions, pain, and confusion. In this episode, Aubrey Sampson joins Ted Coniaris to explore the gift of lament and why honest prayer is essential for spiritual growth.

Lament Psalms teach us that going deeper with God does not mean hiding our struggles—it means bringing them honestly into His presence. Rather than turning away from God in suffering, lament teaches us how to turn toward Him with our grief, doubts, fears, and unanswered questions.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why lament is a vital but often neglected spiritual practice
• How Psalm 13 provides a model for honest prayer
• Why bringing pain to God is an act of faith
• How Jesus embraced lament during His suffering
• Practical ways to pray through seasons of grief, disappointment, and silence

Whether you're walking through a difficult season or learning how to support someone who is, this conversation offers biblical wisdom, hope, and encouragement for the journey.

Scripture: Psalm 13

Prayer was never meant to be shallow, scripted, or self-centered.

In this opening message of our Psalms series, Aaron Loy teaches from Psalm 145 and explores how Praise Psalms help deepen our relationship with God by reorienting our hearts toward who God is rather than simply what we want from him.

The Psalms give language to every human emotion and invite us into honest, authentic prayer. Through David’s words in Psalm 145, we learn how praise cultivates wonder, humility, gratitude, and confidence in God’s character.

This episode explores:

• Why praise is essential to spiritual maturity
• The difference between praise and thanksgiving
• How awe changes our perspective
• Why Psalm 145 became a daily prayer for generations
• How praise forms a “heart on fire” for God

Scripture: Psalm 145

The mission of God doesn’t belong to “someone else.” Jesus sends all of us.

In the final week of Find Your Place in God’s Mission, Ted Coniaris teaches from John 20, Acts 1, Colossians 3, and Revelation 7 to explore how the Church is called to continue God’s mission in the world.

This message unpacks Jesus’ words, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you,” and challenges followers of Christ to live as people sent to witness, work, and worship. Discover how the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to reflect Jesus in everyday life—from workplaces and neighborhoods to gathered worship and personal relationships.

The story of Scripture ultimately points toward a future where people from every nation, tribe, and language worship Jesus together—and the Church is invited to participate in that mission today.

Jesus didn’t come to offer a comfortable, “blue-pill” version of faith. He came announcing the Kingdom of God—a new reality that changes everything.

In Week 6 of Find Your Place in God’s Mission, Tammy Melchien teaches from Mark 1, Luke 4, and Matthew 6 to explore Jesus’ radical invitation to repent, realign our lives, and follow Him as King. Through the lens of The Matrix, this message shows how the mission of God becomes visible in Jesus—and how following Him reshapes our priorities, relationships, and purpose.

Discover what it means to seek first the Kingdom of God and join Jesus in His mission to bring hope, justice, grace, and restoration to the world.

You weren’t just saved—you were meant to represent.

In this message from Week 5 of Find Your Place in God’s Mission, Ted Coniaris explores a striking image from Jeremiah 13 and shows how God’s people were always meant to reflect Him to the world.

When that calling was lost, God didn’t give up—He sent Jesus. Now, instead of God wearing His people, we are invited to clothe ourselves with Christ.

This episode unpacks what that means in real life—through justice, mercy, and transformed character.

You’ll learn:
– The deeper meaning behind Jeremiah’s “linen belt” illustration
– How Jesus redefines identity by clothing us in Himself
– Why justice and mercy are essential to God’s mission
– How the fruit of the Spirit shapes a life that draws others to God
– What it looks like to close the gap between what we say and how we live

Key Scriptures: Jeremiah 13:1–11; Galatians 3:27; Romans 13:14; Micah 6:8; Galatians 5:22–23; Matthew 5:44–45

If you’ve ever wondered how your everyday life connects to God’s bigger mission—this message will help you see it clearly.

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What if rescue isn’t the end of your story—but just the beginning?

In Week 4 of Find Your Place in God’s Mission, Chris Nichols explores the Exodus story to reveal a powerful truth: God doesn’t just rescue His people from slavery—He redeems them for a purpose.

Through Moses and the Israelites, we see that rescue changes circumstances, but redemption restores identity and calling. God forms His people into a “kingdom of priests” and a “holy nation,” set apart not for superiority—but for mission.

And through Jesus, that same calling now belongs to us.

This message speaks to anyone who:

• Feels stuck after experiencing God’s rescue
• Struggles to live out their faith consistently
• Wonders what their life is meant for

You’ll discover that you are not just freed from your past—you are sent into the world with purpose.

Key Scripture: Exodus 6:1–8; Exodus 19:3–6; 1 Peter 2:9
Big Idea: We are redeemed people, called to reflect God’s character and participate in His mission.

What if God’s blessing in your life was never meant to stop with you?

In Week 3 of Find Your Place in God’s Story, John Ciesniewski explores Genesis 12 and the calling of Abraham to show how God’s mission has always been about reaching the world through His people.

When God chose Abraham, it wasn’t because he was the most impressive or deserving—it was because God was launching a rescue plan for the nations. Abraham was blessed for a purpose: to become a blessing.

And through Jesus, that calling now belongs to us.

This message invites you to rethink a self-centered view of faith and step into a bigger story—one where your life becomes a channel of God’s grace to others.

You’ll discover:

• Why blessing in the Bible is always outward-facing
• How your everyday relationships are part of God’s mission
• What it means to live as someone who is sent

Key Scripture: Genesis 12:1–3; Galatians 3:7–9, 29; Revelation 22:1–5
Big Idea: We are heirs of God’s mission through Abraham—blessed to be a blessing to the nations.

At the end of a full and often fast-paced week, it’s easy to move forward without ever pausing to reflect. This guided Prayer of Examen offers a simple, meaningful way to slow down and notice where God has been present in your life.

Through gentle prompts and quiet moments of reflection, you’ll be guided to review your week with honesty and gratitude—recognizing moments of joy, connection, struggle, and growth. You’ll be invited to notice your emotions, bring your challenges to God’s grace, and listen for what He may be revealing to you.

Rooted in an ancient rhythm of prayer, this short practice helps you shift from autopilot to awareness. It creates space to give thanks, receive grace, and step into the week ahead with intention.

End your week grounded in God’s presence—and begin the next with clarity, peace, and renewed trust. Find a quiet place to listen.

Narrator: Sharie Behnke

Take your next step at communitychristian.org.

As we move toward the IGNITE Gathering, find more resources, gathering times, and ways to engage here.