Nehemiah 1 | The Power of Prayer
Welcome to the Living Word Cast Evening Devotional! Tonight, we're diving into Nehemiah 1 to reflect on the power of prayer. Let’s start by reading the first few verses.
Nehemiah 1:1-4 (NIV)
“The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah:
In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
They said to me, ‘Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.’
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.’”
Reflection
Nehemiah’s story begins with a heartbreaking report. The city of Jerusalem, once the glorious dwelling place of God’s people, was now in ruins. The walls were broken, the gates burned, and the people were in distress. And what was Nehemiah’s first response? Prayer.
We can learn so much from his reaction. Nehemiah didn’t rush to action; he didn’t immediately begin making plans or trying to fix things on his own. His first response was to seek the Lord in prayer. He mourned, he fasted, and he poured out his heart to God.
Prayer is powerful. It connects us with God, aligns our hearts with His will, and moves us to action. But before we do anything in our own strength, prayer must be our first step.
Nehemiah's Prayer:
Let’s look closely at Nehemiah’s prayer in verses 5-11. He begins by acknowledging God’s greatness:
“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments…” (Nehemiah 1:5)
Nehemiah starts by praising God for who He is—great and awesome. When we come to God in prayer, it’s important to remember His character, His power, and His promises.
Then, Nehemiah confesses the sins of Israel:
“We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees, and laws you gave your servant Moses.” (Nehemiah 1:7)
Prayer isn’t just about asking for things—it’s also about confessing our sins, acknowledging where we’ve fallen short, and seeking forgiveness. This helps us humble ourselves before God, remembering that we are dependent on His grace.
Finally, Nehemiah asks God for favor in the sight of the king, that he might be able to go and rebuild Jerusalem:
“Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” (Nehemiah 1:11)
Nehemiah’s prayer is full of faith. He trusts that God can intervene and provide the favor he needs to accomplish the task at hand. And he doesn’t hesitate to ask for it.
What can we take away from this prayer of Nehemiah tonight? First, let us remember the power of prayer. When we face challenges, whether they are personal or global, our first response should always be to pray. We may not have all the answers or the power to change things on our own, but God is faithful, and He is powerful.
Second, Nehemiah’s prayer is a model for us: begin with praise, then confess, and finally, bring our requests to God with faith.
Closing Prayer:
Let’s close in prayer now. Wherever you are, take a moment to reflect on the things that weigh on your heart. Bring them before God in prayer.
Heavenly Father, we come to You tonight in humility. We praise You for who You are—great and awesome, faithful and loving. We confess the ways we have fallen short, and we ask for Your forgiveness. Lord, we bring our requests before You, trusting that You hear us and that You are able to move in powerful ways. We ask for Your guidance and favor in all things. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thank you for joining tonight's devotional. As we finish our time, remember the power of prayer in your life. Just like Nehemiah, take your burdens to God, knowing He hears you, and He is with you every step of the way. God bless you.
