Jeremiah lays the wood to the leaders of Judah throughout his prophetic book. He unflinchingly communicates the Lord’s anger and impending judgement on a king and court who turned away from their God.

But Jeremiah also carries words of hope. In speaking of exiles, the Lord promises to watch over them and to bring them back to their land. He promises to give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord.

In that sentence I discover a prayer directly from the mouth of the Lord. I pray for myself, my kids, my spouse, and for those around me—“Lord, give them a heart to know you.”

Then more blessings from the Lord emerge: My eyes will watch over them for good…I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. All blend together with a heart aimed toward God.

No amount of prayer on my part pulls a lever causing the Lord to act a certain way. But if I’m going to pray for those in my sphere of influence, here’s a clear word from the Lord, not a guess or a wishful idea.

A heart to know me, that I am the Lord.

Amen. May it be for you and me and those we love.

Jeremiah 24 in week forty-one of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Ümit Bulut