The Weeping Prophet

What is Biblical prayer?

Have you ever thought long and hard about this question? Most of us, and for many years I have been similar, the answer is probably not. We know some of the great “prayers” of the Bible but it is the unknown prayers we may want to consider.

Having faith when God is silent.

It is easy to have faith when we are feeling good and life is good around us.

The lament prayer—praying when things are not “good”.

One aspect of the Biblical prayer of lament is stating what is wrong and going on. This is not a “complaint” session but instead an honest recalling of life as the prophet or person knew it. Verse 10 is a good example.

Lament prayer—God please act!

The lament prayer is a prayer asking to uphold His end of the covenant agreement in accordance with his character. Chapter 14 has some of this.

Jeremiah feels, and is, alone and rejected.

We cannot sugarcoat this any at all. The nation did not like him. Many wanted him dead. And no one wanted to listen. Yes this is what “he signed up for” but that does not make it any easier.

Be aware of isolation.

Don’t go it alone.

Isolation may have us focus on others.

This is the “sin” if we can call that of Jeremiah.

God calls us back to Him.

Jeremiah was asked to turn back to God so God could turn him back to prophesying knowing God is watching.

God will restore His servants.

The promise never changed for Jeremiah.