Lamenting the Lost
(Lamentations 1:1-6; 2:1-22)
Weeping Prayer
Today’s daily Scripture reading focuses on the beginning of the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah’s lengthy lament over the loss of Jerusalem and the sad fate of the Lord’s own people. The weeping prophet bemoaned the downtrodden and sincerely sobbed to see the affliction and judgment upon those who have forsaken the one true God.
Even then, in this discouragement and distress, Jeremiah called to the people to return to the faith of their fathers and to trust God. He urged them to lean upon Jehovah, the ever-faithful One.
“Arise, cry out in the night,
as the watches of the night begin;
pour out your heart like water
in the presence of the Lord.
Lift up your hands to him
for the lives of your children,
who faint from hunger
at the head of every street.”
This passage certainly gives me pause and pierces my soul. Perhaps you feel the same way.
Does my heart hurt for those who have not yet given their hearts to God? Does my soul hunger to see other souls saved for eternity? Does my conscience convict me for my own unfaithfulness to the ever-faithful Father?
How I long to carry a heartfelt burden for those who need the Lord. May God grant me tears of earnest supplication for the lost world. And may He draw me to pour out my heart before Him, so that He might give me a new heart that more matches His own.
Will you pray with me?
Merciful God,
Your own heart surely mourns
To see a faithless world,
Even as You call out patiently
For hearts to turn to You.
Our own Lord,
Your Holy Son,
Shed tender tears
For those who turned their backs
On You,
Even as we all have done.
Draw us, Lord,
Closer to You.
Soften our hearts,
So that we may mourn
As You do
To see the lost suffering.
Make us agents of Your comfort
And Your peace,
So that others
May desire to know You
For Your own glory alone.
Amen.
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