Bible Study Week: Pray like Nehemiah

Hello to all our readers worldwide!

Today, let's talk about Nehemiah, a builder who started as a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. In Nehemiah:1, we're told Nehemiah was part of the Jewish group that survived exile. Nehemiah 1:3 says those who survived were in big trouble—they were disgraced, Jerusalem's walls were broken, and its gates were burned down. It shows destruction, loss, and vulnerability. We often find ourselves in such situations when we've lost everything through our mistakes, feeling sad and defenseless. It's like open season for problems to come in and make things worse. These are the times we need to turn back, ask for forgiveness, and seek God the most. Deuteronomy 32:4 says the Lord is our strong defender, always fair and true.

When Nehemiah heard about Jerusalem's state, he sat down and cried (Nehemiah 1:4). For days, he mourned, fasted, and prayed to God Almighty. In Nehemiah 1:5, he described God as great and awesome, keeping His covenant of love with those who love Him and keep His commandments. A while ago, someone asked me about God's love language. I had no answer until they referred me to John 14:15, where Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." It's a simple way God tells us how to love Him. Sometimes, in our human relationships, we want to show love in our own way, not considering what the other person prefers. But love is sacrificial in nature should be about the receiver, not just the giver. Nehemiah knew God's love language and acknowledged it in his prayer.

In Nehemiah 1:6-7, Nehemiah repented and renounced his sins, his family's sins, and the sins of the people of Israel. He admitted Israel had acted badly against God, disobeying His commandments, laws, and decrees given to Moses. Repenting from sin is crucial (Acts 3:19). God promises that when His people humble themselves, pray, and turn from wicked ways, He will forgive their sins and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). This promise has been kept from generation to generation because God is faithful.

Nehemiah reminded God of His promise in Nehemiah 1:9—that when His people return and obey, even after exile, He will gather them from all corners of the world to a place God chose for His name's sake. Nehemiah ended his prayer in Nehemiah 1:10-11, asking God to hear his prayer and those of all God's servants who delight in revering God's name. He prayed for success and favor in the presence of the King. Nehemiah 2 shows God answered this prayer, as King Artaxerxes sent Nehemiah back to rebuild Jerusalem. God's gracious hand was upon Nehemiah, and the King granted all his requests.

To our dear brothers and sisters, remember that God answers prayers. Your sincere, heartfelt prayers can make a difference for your family, loved ones, community, or country, just like Nehemiah's did.

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.