Great Prayers of the Bible

Nehemiah’s Prayer for Success Nehemiah 1:5-11

5 And I said, "I beseech Thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, 6 let Thine ear now be attentive and Thine eyes open to hear the prayer of Thy servant which I am praying before Thee now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Thy servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against Thee; I and my father's house have sinned.

7 "We have acted very corruptly against Thee and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances which Thou didst command Thy servant Moses. 8 "Remember the word which Thou didst command Thy servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful I will scatter you among the peoples; 9 but if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though those of you who have been scattered were in the most remote part of the heavens, I will gather them from there and will bring them to the place where I have chosen to cause My name to dwell.”

10 "And they are Thy servants and Thy people whom Thou didst redeem by Thy great power and by Thy strong hand. 11 "O Lord, I beseech Thee, may Thine ear be attentive to the prayer of Thy servant and the prayer of Thy servants who delight to revere Thy name, and make Thy servant successful today, and grant him compassion before this man."

The city of Jerusalem was 700 miles (5 or 6 months travel) from Susa, one of the oldest cities in the world and the reigning city for many Biblical kings. The story of Esther took place 35 to 40 years prior to Nehemiah’s.. in the same palace!

Key Elements of Nehemiah’s Prayer 1. It is addressed to his Awesome God - v It is a plea for intervention – v. 6b 3. It is a matter of practice – v. 6a

Key Elements of Nehemiah’s Prayer 4. It begins with personal confession – v It is a “promise reminder” v It is a servant’s prayer for servants – v. 10

Nehemiah’s Three Petitions 1. “Let your ear be attentive” v “Make thy servant successful” v. 11

Nehemiah’s Three Petitions 3. “Grant compassion before this man” v. 11

“Target” Prayers Are often necessary Are not the extent but rather the overflow of our prayer life. “the king said to me, "What would you request?" So I prayed to the God of heaven.” Neh. 2:4

7 Practical Prayer Lessons 1. Nehemiah’s burden was God’s burden. 2. God’s sovereignty often places us in a unique position to help. 3. Confession of personal sin is always a prerequisite to answered prayer.

7 Practical Prayer Lessons 4. An appeal to God is best based on His promises; His name or His reputation. 5. The master/servant relationship has practical application to the process of prayer.

7 Practical Prayer Lessons 6. Prayer requires patience and perserverance. 7. Prayer always requires an act of faith.

2. Praying requires a time and a place. 3. Praying the Scriptures is critical. 1. Praying is a learned activity.

5. We remember when we write. 6. We benefit from examples. 4. Praying is a learned activity.