[:en]SCRIPTURE: NEHEMIAH 1
“If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if you exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there to bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name” (Nehemiah 1:8-9)
“O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man” (Nehemiah 1:11)
INTRODUCTION:
Nehemiah was the cupbearer of Persian King Artaxerxes. He enjoyed the security and prestige being in the king’s palace. But he was very concerned about the needs and welfare of the people in Jerusalem. So, he went to Jerusalem in 444 BC and led the people in repairing the walls of Jerusalem.
NEHEMIAH’S PRAYER (vs. 1-11)
Nehemiah asked his brothers about the news of the Jewish remnant. The news was distressing. The survivors in the province were in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem was broken down and its gates had been burned with fire. When he heard these things, he sat down and wept. His heart was touched and he wanted to do something to save the city. He mourned, fasted, prayed and asked God to send him by allowing the king to grant him the favor to help in the task.[:]