My idea for a lament service is based on the structure of the typical lament psalm.

Those who study the psalms in detail tell us that the lament psalms all share a similar structure:
1. Plea A complaint to God about a distressful situation. The plea section can be comprised of any number of the following components.
a. Address to God A close-covenantal relationship with God is assumed by all of the laments.
b. Complaint description (usually overstated) of how desperate the situation is
c. Petition asks God to act decisively
d. Motivations-psalmist gives God reasons to act.
i. The speaker is innocent and entitled to help
ii. The speaker is guilty and seeks forgiveness and restoration.
iii. Gods past goodness to an earlier generation sets a precedent for Gods goodness now.
iv. The speaker is valued by God as one who praises. If the speaker is permitted to die, the speaker will cease to praise, and the loss will be Gods
v. Appeal to God to consider His own power, prestige, and reputation. If God doesnt act, then it may appear that God cannot take care of his own.
e. Imprecation asks God to retaliate against those who have hurt us.

(hinge: in almost all of the laments Psalm 88 is the obvious exceptiont here is a turn or transition from plea to praise)

2. Praise expressions of joy, trust, and gratitude.
a. Assurance of being heard sometimes just knowing that God has heard your prayer is enough.
b. Doxology God is acknowledged as generous, faithful, and saving.

One way to do a lament service is to based the structure of the entire service on the above format.

Begin with a plea section a reading from Romans 8 about the groaning of creation for redemption might be a good way to start.
Then include a reading of appropriate lament psalms or of prayers written by members of the congregation. You could also use any worship lament songs you can find or play an appropriate pop song. (see U2s Peace on Earth). If you have video capability you could put together some footage of lamentable situations. Basically, in this first section of the service you want to expose and articulate the pain that is prompting the lament in the first place. At some point you want to have someone articulate for the congregation the need for God to intervene and do something about the situation

Then let communion be the hinge of the service. I have in mind someone leading a communion meditation on the cross as Gods anticipation and response to the pain in our lives. Where is God when we are in hurting? On the cross suffering with us.

After communion, enter into the praise section of the service. The congregation can sing songs of trust and thanksgiving to God.
A final prayer can be offered, thanking God for his presence and his ear.

Its a start anyway. Let me know what you think or if you have ideas to improve it.

One word about what I call “forced lament.” It is important to let a lament service be a natural response to something going on in the congregation or the world. We shouldn’t do one just because we’ve decided we need to do one. There is nothing worse than trying to convince people they need to lament about something when from they’re point of view everything is just fine. However, I don’t think this will be a problem. Our world gives us plenty of opportunities to groan.