Nehemiah 1:1-11
Reflect
It’s VBS and we have set up a ship scene, pretending to be on the way to Rome. We are talking about having no power. The (pretend) wind has not set in. Kids discuss ways to move the ship forward and suddenly a 5-year-old suggests, “We could pray!”
That was the reaction of Nehemiah. The scene sounds like Canada. “We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments” (v.7a)
Instead of coming up with his own solutions, Nehemiah goes first to God! He doesn’t complain or get discouraged by the ungodliness around him. He focusses on God’s greatness and love, then on communal and his own sin, and finally he makes known his supplication with reference to God’s promises. He is fasting and praying is for days!
2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
The result: Nehemiah had huge influence as one man WITH God!
Apply
Let’s be quick in running to God with our supplications for the government, non-believers or our own needs.
I know my prayer is often “on the go”. I encourage us all to dive more into it. Maybe a prayer journal or prayer partner can help you in doing that.
Annette Faszer
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.