Genesis 32:3-11

3Jacob sent men with a message to his brother Esau. Esau was living in the land of Seir, also called Edom.

4Jacob told his men, ‘This is what you must say to my master Esau: Your servant Jacob says, “I have been staying with Laban until now.

5I have cows, donkeys, sheep and goats. I have male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord so that you will be happy with me.” ’

6When the men returned, they said to Jacob, ‘We went to your brother Esau. Now he is coming to meet you and he has 400 men with him.’

7Jacob was very frightened and upset when he heard this. So he separated his people into two groups. He also separated his animals.

8He thought, ‘If Esau attacks one group, the other group may run away safely.’

9Then Jacob prayed, ‘God of my grandfather Abraham and my father Isaac, Lord, you said to me, “Go back to your country and to your relatives. I will do good things for you there.”

10You have always loved me. You have continued to be kind to me. I do not deserve this. When I crossed the Jordan River to go to Haran, I only had my stick. But now I can make two big groups of people and animals.

11I pray that you will save me from the power of my brother Esau. I am afraid that he will come and attack me. He may also attack my family.