The Prayer of Jeremiah

Jabez was more honourable
than his brothers

And he prayed
God bless me indeed
and enlarge my territory
keep me from evil

And God granted his request.

If Jeremiah had only prayed Jabez’s prayer
thirty days running

Would his misfortunes
have been turned to victories

His languishing in exile till death
averted

His oppression not within the scope
of God’s blessing

His lack of influence on kings
turned to successes

His territory enlarged

God’s blessing assured?

Jeremiah was more Godly
than his countrymen

He prayed for them
O Lord, save your people

Agonized for them

Entreated them to turn from evil

Encouraged them to turn to God

And God told him to stop praying
for their deliverance

And he foretold seventy years in exile
but held out hope for the future.

And God granted Jabez what he requested

Jeremiah did not live to see his people restored
and his own territory was confined

Jabez inspires, encourages faith ventures

Jeremiah dignifies suffering in adversity
entreats repentance and faithfulness

and gives the future hope

Jabez meet Jeremiah    Jeremiah meet Jabez

Alvin Ens is a writer from Abbotsford, B.C. and author of the book of poems Musing on The Sermon.