Used as an opening or commissioning prayer when a congregation or leaders seek God's guidance for major decisions (missions, relocation, pastoral calls, church planning). The church leader or appointed intercessor prays on behalf of the congregation as the remnant asked Jeremiah to pray to the LORD for them, modeling corporate reliance on God before action.
Thematic focusDiscernment, Intercession, Submission to God's will, Corporate dependence on God
Connections to tradition
Connected to practices of corporate discernment and intercessory prayer prior to significant ecclesial decisions. Resonates with the biblical pattern of seeking God's counsel collectively and with Christian commissioning prayers and sending liturgies where leaders and congregation ask God to direct their steps (analogous in function to commissioning prayers used in ordination, mission-sending, and congregational votes).
Adapted as a responsive reading or congregational vow (leader: 'What shall we do?' congregation: 'Whatever you say to us we will do'). Suitable for baptismal vow renewals, confirmation promises, ordination services, or covenant renewal liturgies where the congregation affirms willingness to obey God's word and follow pastoral guidance.
Thematic focusCovenant fidelity, Corporate obedience, Commitment to follow God's prophetic word
Connections to tradition
Used analogically in services involving vows: baptismal and confirmation promises, ordination/installation vows, and congregational covenant renewals. Reflects the biblical model of commitment to obey God and to trust the leaders' guidance insofar as they lead according to God's word.
Assurance and Exhortation (Invocation/Call to Trust)
Can be used as an invocation or an exhortation in services addressing fear, exile, or crisis—reminding the congregation of God's presence and the call to trust Him rather than fleeing in fear. Suitable for sermons, pastoral prayers, or liturgical proclamations that call believers to remain faithful amid threat and uncertainty.
Thematic focusTrust in God's presence, Courage in adversity, Warning against disobedience that leads to judgment
Connections to tradition
Linked to pastoral exhortations found in liturgies that encourage steadfastness (e.g., prayers before trials, rites of Christian perseverance). It corresponds with the scriptural impulse behind confession and assurance elements in worship that call believers to trust God's protective and formative purposes rather than seeking security in worldly escape.