BASIC SCRIPTURE: Prayers and Declarations May 17 2025
BASIC SCRIPTURE (KJV):
JEREMIAH 20:1-13
1 Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the Lord, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things.
2 Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the Lord.
3 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah unto him, The Lord hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magor-missabib.
4 For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will make thee a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends: and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and thine eyes shall behold it: and I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive into Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword.
5 Moreover I will deliver all the strength of this city, and all the labours thereof, and all the precious things thereof, yea, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies, which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon.
6 And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and shalt be buried there; thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies.
7 O Lord, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.
8 For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the Lord was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.
9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him any more, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.
10 For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
11 But the Lord is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.
12 But, O Lord of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.
13 Sing unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.
PRAYERS FOR MAY 17, 2025:
- Prayer for Endurance in Persecution and Trust in God’s Justice
O Lord of Deliverance, like Jeremiah, I cry out to You when mocked, misunderstood, or opposed for standing in truth (Jeremiah 20:7-10). Strengthen my resolve to proclaim Your Word even when it brings ridicule or hardship. When the weight of ministry feels unbearable, remind me that Your call sustains me. Just as You promised to make Pashur a “terror to himself” (v. 4), turn the schemes of my enemies into their own downfall. Let my life testify that “the Lord is with me as a mighty terrible One” (v. 11), and that no weapon formed against me can prosper. In Jesus’ name, Amen. - Prayer for Protection from Spiritual Attacks and Vindication
Heavenly Father, Jeremiah faced betrayal from those closest to him (Jeremiah 20:10). Today, I ask for divine protection from deceitful tongues, false accusations, and hidden traps. Guard my heart from bitterness when attacked, and fill me with Christ-like love for those who oppose me. Just as You vindicated Jeremiah and promised him strength against evil (v. 11), uphold me in integrity. Let my enemies see that my cause rests in Your hands (v. 12), and that You will fight for me when I trust in Your justice. In Christ’s name, Amen. - Prayer for Revival of Passion for God’s Word
Lord of Truth, Jeremiah’s heart burned with Your Word, even when it cost him everything (Jeremiah 20:9). Today, reignite my passion for Scripture. When I feel tempted to silence my voice or hide my faith, let Your fire burn hotter within me. Break chains of weariness, apathy, or fear that quench my zeal. Equip me to share Your truth with courage, even when it invites opposition. Let my life declare: “Your Word is a lamp to my feet,” and may my obedience inspire others to hunger for righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAILY DECLARATION (May 17, 2025):
- I endure persecution for righteousness, trusting God’s deliverance.
Like Jeremiah, who was beaten and mocked for speaking truth (Jeremiah 20:1-2), I declare that my loyalty to Christ will not waver, even when opposition rises. Whether through criticism, isolation, or misunderstanding, I will not compromise my faith. I trust in the promise of Psalm 37:32-33: “The Lord will not leave [me] in [my enemies’] hand… He will deliver [me] from the wicked.” My cause is in His hands, and He will vindicate me in His time. - I refuse to be silenced by fear or mockery, for God’s Word burns within me.
Jeremiah confessed, “His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones… I could not stay” (Jeremiah 20:9). Today, I declare that no threat, no taunt, and no hardship will extinguish my passion for the Gospel. Even when speaking truth costs popularity or comfort, I will obey God rather than man. Let my life be a torch of divine truth, illuminating the darkness and drawing others to Christ. - I trust in God’s justice against those who plot against me.
Jeremiah warned Pashur of divine judgment (Jeremiah 20:3-6), and today I declare that God sees every scheme against me. To those who seek to harm, deceive, or slander, I release them to the Lord. Romans 12:19 assures me, “Vengeance is Mine, saith the Lord.” I will not retaliate but trust in His timing to “make all things plain” (Proverbs 20:24). Let my persecutors stumble, for “the Lord is with me as a mighty terrible One” (Jeremiah 20:11). - I walk in divine protection, even when surrounded by betrayal.
Jeremiah faced betrayal from “familiars” who sought his downfall (Jeremiah 20:10). Today, I declare that no betrayal can steal my destiny. God’s hedge of protection surrounds me (Job 1:10), and His angels are stationed at my right hand (Psalm 91:11). Even when trusted allies falter, I trust in the One who never fails. Let every plan to harm me unravel, for “He who keeps me will not slumber” (Psalm 121:3). - My identity is secure in God’s love, not in human approval.
Jeremiah was called a “deceiver” (Jeremiah 20:7), but his worth was rooted in God’s purpose. Today, I reject the lies of inadequacy, rejection, or failure. My value is secured in Christ’s sacrifice—“I am accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). No accusation can define me, no mockery can derail me, and no person’s opinion can eclipse my identity as a child of the Most High. I will not shrink back but stand firm in divine confidence. - I praise God for His deliverance, even before I see it.
Jeremiah closed his lament with worship: “Sing unto the Lord… for He hath delivered the soul of the poor” (Jeremiah 20:13). Today, I declare that my deliverance is already secured. Though trials persist, I choose to sing psalms of victory (James 5:13), knowing that God fights for me. Let my praise dismantle strongholds, for “the Lord is my strength and my shield” (Psalm 28:7). I will not wait for circumstances to change—my redemption is already written in heaven. - I partner with God to see the poor and oppressed delivered.
Jeremiah’s prophecy culminated in praise for God’s rescue of “the soul of the poor” (Jeremiah 20:13). Today, I declare that my life is a channel of justice and mercy. Whether through advocacy, generosity, or intercession, I will stand for the marginalized. Let my hands be instruments of healing, my voice a trumpet for the voiceless, and my heart aligned with God’s passion for the broken. His kingdom comes through my obedience.
