Saturday, May 19, 2007

Nehemiah's example in prayer

Nehemiah had an active prayer life.  He was an amazing example for a prayer warrior.  In Chapter 1, he heard bad news about Jerusalem.  The Jews who had survived captivity were in great trouble and disgrace because the walls of Jerusalem had been torn down and the gates were burned.
 
The first thing Nehemiah did was weep, mourn, fast, and pray to God.  How often do we go to God first?  He praised the Lord of heaven for His awesome greatness. He acknowleded that God  keeps His covenant to those who obey His commands.  He pleaded for the Lord to listen to him.  He confessed his sin, the sin of his family, and the sin of his nation. He reminded God that if the people turn back to Him and obey His commands, He will bring the nation back together again.  Nehemiah was a humble servant before the Lord and asked God for success in his mission to bring the people back th the place God had chosen for them.  Nehemiah prayed from fall to spring (a season) before beginning his mission.
 
Lord, we come to you now.  We praise you and thank you for teaching us everytime we seek your face.  You are awesome and you can accomplish the impossible.  With you, all things are possible.  Thank you for Nehemiah's example of humility and strength. We confess that we get ahead of you sometimes.  We think that we can handle things and charge ahead before You are ready to act.  We humble ourselves, seek Your face, turn from our wicked ways.  Heal our land, Heal our hearts, Lord.  Help us to listen to your call, follow your guidance.  Hear our prayer, oh Lord.  Grant us success as we follow your commands.  We delight in Honoring You, our strength and deliverer.  In Jesus' precious name, AMEN