Covenant Prayers

Have you ever felt that you had no one to talk to? Or maybe your prayers were bouncing off the ceiling? Today let's look Jeremiah’s Prayer in chapter 10:23-25.

23 I know, God, that mere mortals can't run their own lives, That men and women don't have what it takes to take charge of life. 24 So correct us, God, as you see best. Don't lose your temper. That would be the end of us. 25 Vent your anger on the godless nations, who refuse to acknowledge you, And on the people who won't pray to you - The very ones who've made hash out of Jacob, yes, made hash And devoured him whole, people and pastures alike. (The Message)

What did Jeremiah pray? How would you have prayed?

Jeremiah turns to God in prayer because he has no where else to go and no one who will listen.

When do we feel like this? What choice do we need to make?

Let’s break down these three verses:

Read Verse 23 - The prophet acknowledges God’s sovereignty over the entire world. Nothing happens out of our own will and wisdom that He doesn’t allow. The affairs of all mankind are directed and determined. How can we apply this truth to our lives?

Read Verse 24 - He prays that God’s divine wrath might not fall upon Israel. We cannot pray in faith that we may never be corrected. We need correction and deserve it. We are also shown much mercy, love, patience, and grace. Our prayer should be that we would never have to endure the anger of God. What is the difference between God’s correction and anger?

Read Verse 25 - This prayer is taken from Psalm 79:6-7, Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name; for they have devoured Jacob and devastated his homeland.

Jeremiah asks God to pour out His anger on the godless nations, those that oppress and persecute Israel. It is an appeal to his justice. It is a prediction of God’s judgments upon all the enemies of his church and kingdom. 1 Peter 4:17 says; For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

What steps do we need to take as individuals, families, churches, and as a country to stay in covenant in God?

What is our responsibility to those who do not know Him?

Be wise today and always - pray to be faithful to God's Promises.