NEHEMIAH’S PRAYER
Nehemiah 1:4-11
"And it
came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned
certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven."
INTRODUCTION:
1. Background
to Nehemiah 1:4-11.
2. Nehemiah’s
example of prayer.
DISCUSSION:
I. Recognition
of God (verse 5).
A. Great
and terrible – indicates God is to be feared, held in reverence. Re: Psalm
11:9.
B. Nehemiah
acknowledged that he is to be a servant to God (verse 6, 10, 11).
II. Regularity
in prayer (verse 6).
A. Nehemiah
prayed day and night.
B. We
are to pray without ceasing. Re: Romans 12:12, I Thessalonians 5:17.
III. Realization
of sin (verse 6-7).
A. Nehemiah
confessed not only the sins of the nation, but also his own sins.
B. It
seems that it is always easier to see other’s shortcomings than it is our
own. However, we ought to be aware of our own sins. Re: I John 1:8-10.
IV. Remembrance
of God’s promises (verse 8-11).
A. God
hears our prayers when we ask according to his will. Re: Psalm 34:15, Psalm
66:18, Proverbs 15:29, Proverbs 28:9, I John 3:22, I John 5:14-15.
B. We
are to ask in faith. Re: James 1:6-7.
CONCLUSION:
1. Nehemiah’s
prayer serves as an example for us because of its:
a) Recognition
of God.
b) Regularity.
c) Realization
of sin.
d) Remembrance
of God’s promises.
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