“Have You completely rejected Judah? Or have You loathed Zion? Why have You stricken us so that we are beyond healing? We waited for peace, but nothing good came; And for a time of healing, but behold, terror! We know our wickedness, Lord, The wrongdoing of our fathers, for we have sinned against You. Do not despise us, for the sake of Your own name; Do not disgrace the throne of Your glory. Remember and do not annul Your covenant with us. Are there any among the idols of the nations who give rain? Or can the heavens grant showers? Is it not You, Lord our God? Therefore we wait for You, For You are the one who has done all these things .” Jeremiah 14:19-22 (NASB)
I’ll be honest—I don’t always find it easy to pray for people I struggle to get along with. It’s natural to pray for my family, close friends, and those who encourage me. But what about that coworker who undermines me? Or that church member who always seems to criticize? I’d rather avoid them, not intercede for them. But then I look at Jeremiah. The people of Judah had rejected God and ignored His warnings. They had persecuted Jeremiah, ridiculing him for speaking God’s truth. If anyone had a reason to turn his back on them, it was him. And yet, in Jeremiah 14:19-22, we find him pouring out his heart to God—not just for himself, but for the very people who had wronged him.
Jeremiah doesn’t sugarcoat the situation. He acknowledges the suffering and the brokenness of the people. He confesses their sin as if it were his own. He pleads for God’s mercy, not because Judah deserves it, but because of who God is—faithful, righteous, and compassionate. This convicts me. How often do I carry the burdens of others before God like that? When someone at church criticizes me behind my back, do I pray for them or judge them? When a coworker makes my life difficult, do I ask God to work in their life, or do I complain about them? Jeremiah’s heart challenges me to go beyond my own comfort and pride.
The truth is, we serve a God who loves people—even the ones who are difficult, even the ones who have failed. If we truly want to reflect Christ, we must learn to love and intercede as Jeremiah did. That doesn’t mean ignoring sin or pretending hurt doesn’t exist. It means bringing those people before God, asking Him to work in their lives, and remembering that His mercy is more significant than their failures. Who is that person in your life that you’ve been avoiding praying for? Maybe it’s time to follow Jeremiah’s example. Maybe it’s time to lay aside the frustration and start interceding. God’s grace reaches further than we can imagine, and through our prayers, He can soften hearts—including our own.
Prayer: Lord, give me a heart that genuinely cares. Help me to see people the way You do, even when it’s hard. Teach me to intercede, not just for those I love but also for those who challenge me. Let my prayers reflect Your mercy and compassion. Amen.