Jeremiah 42:1-3

Jeremiah 42:1-3 (ESV): “Then all the commanders of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest, came near 2 and said to Jeremiah the prophet, “Let our plea for mercy come before you, and pray to the Lord your God for us, for all this remnant—because we are left with but a few, as your eyes see us— 3 that the Lord your God may show us the way we should go, and the thing that we should do.”

God has given us the great privilege of petitioning before His throne. He guides and directs us through prayer; we simply need to be willing to do what He says.

After the Babylonians overtook Judah, they established a small governing body of Jewish leaders to rule over the poorest people who had been left behind. But an insurrection rose up, and all those leaders were killed. This left the people fearful. In their desperation, they sought Jeremiah to petition the Lord on their behalf, asking for direction. They promised that they would do whatever the Lord commanded.

How do you petition God? Are you asking Him to accomplish His will in your life, or are you directing Him to accomplish yours? When we come before Him in prayer, we must also come with hearts ready to be led by God. He will not fail to answer, but we must be willing to receive His answer according to His will. Pray as Jesus prayed: “Your will be done.” Amen?

Father, thank You for the privilege of boldly coming before Your throne to make our requests known. We ask for Your perfect will in our lives. Help us to hear You clearly and align our hearts with Yours. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.