Sunday we heard the second sermon in our {RE}BUILD series from the book of Nehemiah. We explored Nehemiah’s prayer in chapter 1, verses 4-11. It was put before the Lord “day-and-night (vs 6)” for four months as Nehemiah wrestled with the terrible news that “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire. (vs 3)”

Upon hearing the news Nehemiah “sat down and wept and mourned for days,” and “continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. (vs 4)” You’re encouraged to take a few minutes to reread through his prayer in verses 5-11 now.

In this series we’re drawing application from Nehemiah’s story, for God’s NT Church. In our context people around us are lost and broken in their sin. God desires for His Church to be burdened for the lost and to recognize their place in BUILDing His Church.

Lostness and brokenness in the world ought to stir compassion and lead us to fast and pray Nehemiah’s powerful prayers. From Nehemiah’s example we learn that powerful prayer:

• submits to the Lordship of God (vs 5)

• recognizes the awesomeness of God (vs 5)

• trusts in God’s promises and steadfast love (vs 5)

• reaffirms commitment to obey (vs 5)

• cries out to God for help — listen to my prayer, see my situation (vs 6)

• is continual — day and night (vs 6)

• is others oriented — for their help and salvation (vs 6)

• involves confession of sin — our own and the sin of our church (vs 6-7)

• calls upon God to remember His Word, Promises, & people (vs 8-10)

• springs from a heart that delights in God’s Name (vs 11), and…

• involves requests for missional success & favor with people (vs 11)

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. What hinders you from joining the Anchor family in consistent fasting and prayer for the lost and for our church?

2. Which characteristics of Nehemiah’s prayer do you struggle the most to adopt? Why?

3. In what ways might the Lord change your heart, thinking, or actions as you pray these things day and night for months on end?

PRAYER RESPONSE

Take time to pray through Nehemiah’s prayer each day. Adopt it as a guide for the coming months. Ask God to prepare your heart, mind, and life to {RE}BUILD His Church and kingdom.