Topical Bible: Jeremiah: The Prophet: Prayers of

◄ Jeremiah: The Prophet: Prayers of ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Jeremiah, often referred to as the "weeping prophet," is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep emotional connection to God and his people. His prayers, scattered throughout the Book of Jeremiah, reveal a man deeply committed to his prophetic mission, yet profoundly affected by the burden of his calling and the rebellion of his people.

Intercessory Prayers

Jeremiah's prayers often take the form of intercession, as he pleads with God on behalf of Judah. In Jeremiah 14:7-9 , he prays, "Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You. O Hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress, why are You like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays but a night? Why are You like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior unable to save? Yet You are among us, O LORD, and we are called by Your name. Do not forsake us!"

Here, Jeremiah acknowledges the sins of the people but appeals to God's covenant faithfulness and His reputation among the nations. His prayer reflects a deep understanding of God's character and a desire for His mercy.

Prayers of Lament

Jeremiah's prayers also include laments, expressing his personal anguish and the suffering of his people. In Jeremiah 15:15-18 , he cries out, "You understand, O LORD; remember me and attend to me. Avenge me against my persecutors. In Your patience, do not take me away; know that I endure reproach for Your honor. Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts. I never sat with the band of revelers, nor did I celebrate with them. Because Your hand was on me, I sat alone, for You have filled me with indignation. Why has my pain become unending, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You have indeed become to me like a deceptive brook, whose waters cannot be relied on."

This passage reveals Jeremiah's internal struggle and his sense of isolation due to his prophetic role. Despite his faithfulness, he experiences deep sorrow and questions God's presence, yet he remains committed to his mission.

Prayers for Vindication

Jeremiah also prays for vindication against his enemies, reflecting the intense opposition he faced. In Jeremiah 18:19-23 , he petitions, "Give heed to me, O LORD. Listen to what my accusers are saying! Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them. Therefore, hand their children over to famine; pour out the power of the sword upon them. Let their wives become childless and widowed, their men struck down by plague, their young men slain by the sword in battle. Let a cry be heard from their houses when You suddenly bring raiders upon them, for they have dug a pit to capture me and have hidden snares for my feet. But You, O LORD, know all their deadly plots against me. Do not wipe out their guilt or blot out their sin from Your sight. Let them be overthrown before You; deal with them in the time of Your anger."

This imprecatory prayer highlights Jeremiah's desire for justice and his trust in God's righteous judgment. It underscores the severity of the opposition he faced and his reliance on God to defend him.

Prayers of Confession and Commitment

Jeremiah's prayers also include confessions of faith and commitment to God's will. In Jeremiah 10:23-24 , he acknowledges, "I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. Correct me, O LORD, but only with justice—not in Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing."

Here, Jeremiah submits to God's sovereignty, recognizing human limitations and the need for divine guidance. His prayer reflects humility and a desire for correction that aligns with God's justice.

Jeremiah's prayers provide a window into the heart of a prophet deeply engaged with God, wrestling with the challenges of his calling, and interceding passionately for his people. Through his prayers, we see a man who, despite immense personal suffering, remains steadfast in his devotion to God and his prophetic mission.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 14:7-9
O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do you it for your name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 32:17-25
Ah Lord GOD! behold, you have made the heaven and the earth by your great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for you:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Zedekiah
... He was eager to have the benefit of the prophet's prayers. He liberated the slaves
in Jerusalem. He came secretly to Jeremiah more than once to know if there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/zedekiah.htm

The Siege. (xxi, xxxii-xxxiv, xxxvii, xxxviii. )
... king, how much worse was in store for him than even Jeremiah was given ... made when
the king sent Jehucal and Sephaniah to seek the Prophet's prayers, after the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 the siege xxi xxxii-xxxiv.htm

Letter iii. --For 331. Easter-Day xvi Pharmuthi; iii Id. April ...
... of us, who serve God in every place, may together in our prayers be well ... world [4000] .'
Now a fire such as this laid hold of Jeremiah the prophet, when the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter iii for 331 easter-day xvi.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet ... low to hear the earnest supplication
of the prophet. ... And now their prayers were being answered; and with ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

Daniel: a Pattern for Pleaders
... He had with him an old manuscript of the prophet Jeremiah. ... May our prayers then spring
out of our scriptural studies; may our acquaintance with the Word be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/daniel a pattern for pleaders.htm

Sacrifice.
... of a poet sick of being a prophet and a ... Jeremiah was weary of having to look below
the surface of ... But our prayers often outrun themselves in the utterance and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 sacrifice.htm

The Preacher as a False Prophet.
... The wishes and prayers of pious parents are especially entitled to have very great
weight. ... "Both prophet and priest," says Jeremiah, "are profane; yea ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture v the preacher as.htm

Letter xiv. --(For 342. ) Coss. Augustus Constantius iii, Constans ...
... 4409] .' He purifies our souls, as Jeremiah the prophet ... Moses, for instance, A prophet
will the Lord raise ... fast [4432] , by watchfulness in prayers, by study ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xiv for 342 coss augustus.htm

Faith of Sinners in Prayer
... trouble to appeal to a praying prophet for relief ... praying men, believed strongly
in the prayers of praying ... Johanan and Jeremiah, with a small company, had been ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/xi faith of sinners in.htm

The Same Subject Continued.
... earth," will be made clear by Jeremiah the prophet ... And clearly yet the prophet teaches
the will of God ... who speak silently, but because they wished prayers to be ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxiii the same subject continued.htm