23Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.
It was common for prophets in Israel to give themselves to the task of intercessory prayer.1 A refusal to do so would be a refusal to do the work that God has given to a prophet, and thus it would be sin.2
23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.