Passage
Nehemiah 1:1-11 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Nehemiah's Tearful Prayer
Date: Nov. 1, 2014
Daily Bread
Introduction to Nehemiah
Key Verse: 1:11a
First, Nehemiah weeps and prays (1-4). Nehemiah was a Jewish exile living in Susa, Persia. He had a high position in King Artaxerxes' court as the king's cupbearer. Some Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the temple. One day Nehemiah's brother brought news from Jerusalem that its walls were broken down and its gates burned. When Nehemiah heard this, he sat down and wept. He mourned, fasted and prayed to the God of heaven for several days. How and what do you pray for?
Second, Nehemiah's decision in prayer (5-11). In his prayer Nehemiah knew who God is (see verse 5). He also knew who he is (6). He confessed his sins and the sins of his people, and he repented of their wickedness and disobedience to God. He remembered God's warning for unfaithfulness, but appealed to God's promise to those who return and obey him. He prayed as a redeemed servant who revered God's name: Grant me the king's favor. Nehemiah didn't just pray; he did something.
Prayer: God of heaven, help me to pray for our nation and community and do something like Nehemiah.
One Word: God of heaven, hear and remember
