Think about it:

Prayer is asking God to do what we ourselves

cannot do.

Memory Verse- James 5:16 “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Your Thoughts

What does Nehemiah have that I have? What does Nehemiah have that I need? We are considering these two questions as we continue our study of this great leader. Read Nehemiah 1:4-11. Notice his reaction to what he hears, “ I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.” Nehemiah’s reaction to what he hears about the condition of the people speaks volumes about him. How do we respond by what we see and hear? This distinguishes the leaders from the followers, concern for others . Nehemiah became accountable and obligated to do something about the situation. Nehemiah’s first reaction is to pray. Prayer is the greatest characteristic of a Christian leader. Prayer is spiritual work and human nature does not like to do it. It is just easier not to pray. Nehemiah knew that the task of rebuilding the walls and thus the nation would require more than he could offer. You see, prayer is pleading weakness. Nehemiah knew with God’s help he could turn the tide. Lets take a look at some observations from his prayer.

2Nehemiah, a Man of Prayer

THE BIBLE WAY TO HEAVEN

Realize That God Loves You. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

The Bible Says That All Men Are Sinners. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory to God.” (Romans 3:23).

God’s Word Also Says That Sin Must Be Paid For. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

The Good News Is That Christ Paid for Our Sins. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).

We Must Personally Pray and Receive Christ by Faith as Our Personal Saviour. The Bible Says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13).

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Practice implementing missing elements this week. Write down God’s promises to answer prayer.

Your Thoughts

Think about it:

Practice using God’s Word while praying.

Think About it:

“You can tell how big your God is by how

big your prayers are”

He Praises God’s Name (5) Nehemiah begins by “beseeching” God. He uses this three times in verses five, eight, and eleven. Beseech is used to intensify the urgency. It is a pleading and begging to do something. Nehemiah begins his prayer praising the name of God. This follows the pattern of the Lord’s Prayer when Jesus started with, “Hallowed be thy name”. The greater God becomes to us, the smaller the problem. Praise exalts God in our hearts and minds.

Why should God answer your prayer? Is He obligated at all? The Bible is full of promises from God about answering prayer. We must know God‘s Word well enough to claim those promises. Nehemiah knew God’s Word well and used it in his prayers.

Nehemiah begins, “and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.” Notice that Nehemiah identifies himself with the people. Their sins were his sins. Have you identified yourself with the sins of America? Prayer should be about others. We are never more like the Lord Jesus Christ than when we are praying for others. Have you ever considered asking God to forgive others?

“The Rebuilding of a Nation” Lesson 2

Nehemiah prays for four months. He waited on God to direct and answer his prayer. It is easy to get discouraged and not wait on God. On an ordinary day at work, God answered his prayer. He asked God for mercy before the king and God granted him leave from work and the resources to rebuild the walls.

He Waits on God (2:1)

Practice waiting on God while you are in prayer. Don’t rush away after you have spoken to God. Prayer is a two way street. You speaking to God and Him speaking to you. Sit quietly and allow Him time to speak. Concentrate your mind on Him and His Word. So what does Nehemiah have in his prayer life that you have? What does Nehemiah have in his prayer life that you do not have? Take time and effort to work on your prayer life. Evaluate your prayer life this week. There is nothing more important for a Christian leader than praying much. Only praying can teach you to pray. Take the examples in scripture and apply them to your prayer life.

Your Thoughts

He Confesses Sin (6-7)

Nehemiah asks specifically what he desires God to do. Why would this be important? God cannot answer general prayers. Many times we pray very generally for people, “God help this person, God bless that person, or God, I pray for this person.” These are vague statements that don’t really ask God to do anything. Be specific in prayer. Ask God directly what you desire so He can do it and you can see the answer to the prayer.

He is Specific in Requests (11)

He Claims God’s Promises (6) Nehemiah takes up much of his prayer claiming God’s promises in scripture. He references II Chronicles 7:12-15 and Leviticus 26:33-42. Why would we claim God’s promises in prayer? God cannot lie and what He has already promised He will do. He petitions God on behalf of His Word and His promises.