Jeremiah 29:7, 11

These verses are often quoted by people involved in urban ministry.


These words were spoken by Jeremiah in a very difficult time in Jerusalem's history. Jeremiah told of its destruction and eventual rebuilding.


In verse 7, the city that Jeremiah is telling the people to pray for is Babylon. That which they are to pray for is the peace and prosperity of the city. That should be our prayer for the city to where they were going to be placed.


The second city that Jeremiah refers to is Jerusalem. For that city, God has a promise and a plan. God's plan is to prosper, not to harm. God's plan is to give hope and a future. Our Jerusalem is the church in the city. God has a plan for us and a promise. May the Lord help us as we live out our calling in the city where God has placed us.