GREAT PRAYERS OF THE BIBLE

NEHEMIAH’S PRAYER OF DISTRESS

“The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.” Nehemiah 1:1-2 NIV

“They said to me, ‘Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.’ When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” Nehemiah 1:3-4 NIV

“Then I said: ‘O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel.” Nehemiah 1:5-6 NIV

“I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.” Nehemiah 1:6-7 NIV

“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.” Nehemiah 1:8-9 NIV

“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayers of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today in the presence of this man.’ I was cupbearer to the king.” Nehemiah 1:10-11 NIV

Nehemiah Humbled himself before God He mourned and fasted and prayed – Nehemiah 1:4 What do you do when you’re distressed? Nehemiah humbled himself before God – James 4:7-10; 1 Peter 5:6-7

Nehemiah Humbled himself before God He appealed to God’s character – Nehemiah 1:5 He acknowledges God’s greatness – Nehemiah 1:5a; Matthew 6:9 He calls upon God’s faithfulness – Nehemiah 1:5b; Joshua 23:14-16

Nehemiah Confessed their Sins Their situation was the result of their sins – Nehemiah 1:6-8 They had acted very wickedly and had not obeyed God’s commands – Nehemiah 1:7; Romans 1:18-25 When things aren’t going well for us, introspect is good – Isaiah 59:1-2; Psalm 32:1-7

Nehemiah Confessed their Sins Confession, repentance and obedience are essential If we confess our sins, God is faithful and will forgive us – 1 John 1:8-10 If we repent and obey God’s commands, He will bless us – Nehemiah 1:9; Acts 3:19

Nehemiah Claimed God’s Promise God promised He would restore them – Nehemiah 1:9 This was the covenant God had made with His people – Deuteronomy 11:1-32; 29:1 – 30:20 Throughout Scripture God’s people are constantly reminded of this covenant by their leaders - 2 Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 29:10-14

Nehemiah Claimed God’s Promise Nehemiah knew God would fulfill His promise Everything hinges on faith! – Hebrews 11:6; James 1:5-8, 22-25 We must Trust and Obey – Nehemiah 1:9; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38

Nehemiah Asked for Success He wanted to restore God’s kingdom – Nehemiah 1:11 – 2:10 He wasn’t asking for success with selfish motives – James 4:2-3 He wanted to do God’s will! – Matthew 6:10, 33; John 14:12-14; 1 John 5:14-15

Nehemiah Asked for Success He knew he needed God’s help to succeed – Nehemiah 1:11 He trusted in God’s promise – Nehemiah 1:1-10 He prayed for success – Nehemiah 1:11 He took advantage of the opportunities God provided – 2:1-10 And God gave him success!