For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the Lord was not willing to forgive.

Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God. 

But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing:

Lord God my Father,

You are all knowing from before to forever, your plan is perfect, your people tend to choose poorly. Give me a heart that is quiet enough to hear your gentle voice and give me strength, courage and boldness to do your will in all situations. Use me to bring hope in times of hopeless struggle, your way delivers me to Peace. Move the hardened hearts to seek your way and bring order to the ciaos of my thoughts.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen