Nehemiah 1:1-11
Nehemiah's prayer is front and center as we turn to Nehemiah 1:1-11 today. This is such a moving and emotional prayer. Nehemiah doesn't hold back. He speaks freely with God and simply pours out what's on his heart. But what really stood out for me was that Nehemiah's fervent prayer wasn't centered around or about him. It was for the situation and needs of others. That's an example I'd do well to follow more often.
So what can we do to help expand our focus to include others' needs in addition to our own? Is there a person or family or a need in your church or community that you can take before the Lord in prayer? Tami W.
P.S. This week we're airing the Best of 2010 on Back to the Bible. Join us and listen to all five favorites.
take time....that means more to others and prayer is of most help.
Nehemiah is so honest in his prayer. He is just willing to speak the truth about the condition of his people and their desperate need for God's help. This is such a good model for all of our prayers.
Today my focus is on the Savanna-La-Mar Baptist Church. It was destroyed in a tornado earlier this year and they are now raising funds to rebuild the structure. It is the church where I was baptised many years ago and I feel a special need to help them in their efforts.
What was most impressive about Nehemiah's prayer was his recognition of the sins of the people and his sensitivity to the need for repentance on their behalf, prior to asking God to answer his petition for them. So many times we cry out to God for Him to bless others, and deliver them, but repentance is the necessary foundation for so many of those who stand in need of other miracles.
What always impresses me with Nehemiah is that through his prayer (probably not just one time!) Nehemiah was ready with a detailed plan for the whole project, at the very moment the king asked him what he wanted!
Nehemiah does not leave himself out of his prayer. He confesses and repents also. Then he prays for others in a specific way for them to confess and repent. He has a heart for others to be close to God. As all of need to be the same way. I loose focus of this sometimes.
I need to take the time in prayer to be sincere like Nehemiah so my prayers don't hit the ceiling