I. Nehemiah wept for the condition of Israel. (Vs. 1-4a)
A. They were survivors of a great tragedy.
B. They were in great distress.
C. They were under reproach.
D. Their home was destroyed.
II. Nehemiah committed to prayer and fasting. (v.4b)
A. We need prayer when the situation is bigger than us.
B. Some prayers require fasting as well.
1. Deliverance – Matthew 17:21
2. Clear vision from God – Acts 10:30
3. Deciding elders – Acts 14:23
4. Setting aside men for the ministry –Acts 13:2-3
III. Nehemiah prayed a prayer of confession for Israel
A. Nehemiah confessed that Israel dealt corruptly with God. (perverted His commandments ( v.7)
B. Nehemiah confessed that Israel had not obeyed God. (v.7)
IV. Nehemiah prayed God’s promises (v.9)
A. If Israel repents of its sin
B. God will restore Israel no matter how far they are scattered
V. Nehemiah prayed for mercy. (V. 11).
A. Prayed God would listen.
B. Prayed God would be merciful
(This study mirrors Nehemiah's approach to God in Chapter 1
When God’s People Repent and Pray
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14 ESV
I. God’s People
A. Called by His name.
B. Claim God as their God.
C. Identify with God as a testimony.
D. Represent God’s good name
II. Humble themselves
A. Bow before God
B. Give God the credit for your prosperity
III. Seek God’s Face
A. God’s determination
B. God’s design
C. God’s desire
IV. Repent from wickedness
A. Failure to seek God
B. Refusal to pray
C. Refusal to obey
V. God will hear
A. Only after we seek God
B. Only after humility
C. Only after prayer
VI. Heal & Forgive
Restoration:
Physical & Spiritual
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us,…..
…..The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and besought our God for this: and He answered our prayer. Ezra 8:21-23
