In my latest book Prayers in the Dark I paraphrase the Book of Lamentations and exegete each passage, following it with a meditation on human suffering— not to explain or ameliorate it but to point a way forward into hope. In the words of the sacred text we find assurance that we are not unique in our suffering and that the way home to the Kingdom brings pain as well as joy.
A number of people have offered their thoughts regarding the book. Archpriest Geoffrey Ready, the Director Orthodox Christian Studies at Trinity College, the University of Toronto has written, “Fr. Lawrence Farley has given us a rare gift: a deeply learned yet pastorally tender exploration of Scripture’s most harrowing book. His verse-by-verse exegesis of Lamentations honours both rigorous scholarship and the raw humanity of suffering, refusing easy answers whilst pointing toward genuine hope. By pairing careful attention to Hebrew poetry and ancient Near Eastern context with meditations on betrayal, bereavement, and persecution, Farley makes this neglected text breathe with contemporary relevance. His approach—accepting critical insights whilst maintaining theological depth—demonstrates how serious biblical scholarship can serve the suffering Church. For anyone walking through their own valley of tears, this book offers companionship, wisdom, and ultimately, Christ himself.”
Frederica Mathewes-Green, author of Facing East, has written, “With the heart of a pastor and the gifts of a poet, Fr. Lawrence explores the worst of human suffering as so brutally expressed in the Book of Lamentations. He shows us what we so easily forget—that even the worst suffering is not the end of the story.”
Archpriest John Parker III, Dean of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, wrote, “The Lamentations are poignant and edifying but unfortunately oft neglected, and skillful teaching of the Old Testament calls for clarity without imposing too much on the text. Father Lawrence deftly handles both these truths by bringing readership a straightforward and accessible exegesis, helping the Scripture speak clearly for itself while distilling its spiritual message. Prayers in the Dark is a commendable contribution to the library of Old Testament devotional studies and a rewarding walk through Ancient Israel’s darkest hours.”
Alexander Finlayson, retired professor and author of Chief Scottish Man: the Life and Ministry of Thomas Chalmers wrote, “Why is there so much wickedness in the world and why am I suffering? These are at the heart of Fr. Lawrence Farley’s splendid exposition of and mediation on the Lamentations of Jeremiah. Through careful exegesis of the text and warm pastoral application, we are helped to see that there is hope and meaning in our brokenness. In pointing us to Christ’s death and Resurrection, we are reminded that we serve a merciful God who is with us in our suffering. In a time of much hopelessness and despair Prayers in the Dark provides comfort.”
The book would make good Lenten reading. I hope you will like it. It is available for $13.95 (discounts for bulk orders) through Ancient Faith Publishing here.
About Fr. Lawrence Farley
Fr. Lawrence currently attends St. John of Shanghai Orthodox Church in North Vancouver, BC. He is also author of the Orthodox Bible Companion Series along with a number of other publications.