Bethesda

A Communal Lament essentially consists of six possible parts:

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• The Address - usually directly to God, "Hear me O God"

• The Lament Proper - a description of the occurrences for which the people are requesting assistance or rescue

• National Confession of Trust - a statement showing the nation's belief that God will hear their prayers

• The Petition Proper and Motivation - a usually very specific statement of what the people want God to do

• Exclamation of Certainty- That the psalmists prayer has been or will be heard by God

• Vow of Praise - portion of the lament where the people promise to offer thanksgiving once seeing God's intervention