Jeremiah is told to prophecy to Israel about their coming destruction, to reveal God’s true message for the people in contrast to the lies of the false prophets. Yet interspersed throughout God’s message of condemnation for the people, is Jeremiah’s prayers for God acknowledging their sins, pleading for forgiveness. “We have sinned against you…yet you, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not leave us“. Even though God tells Jeremiah not to pray for the people, he again seeks forgiveness on behalf of the Israelites, “we acknowledge our wickedness, O Lord… remember and do not break your covenant with us.”
Jeremiah’s persistence in prayer, even for those who had “dealt treacherously” with him, is an inspiration for us all. Let us, like Jeremiah, set our hope on God, and be persistent in prayer even for those who are our enemies.