The Book of Nehemiah opens in the citadel of Susa, the centre of the Babylonian empire, where many of God’s people were living in exile.
How many of God’s people today are living our lives far away from the place of our rightful inheritance? He still hears our prayers and wants to bring us back to the place He’s set apart for us.
Nehemiah (derived from nacham, meaning ‘to comfort’) lived far from Jerusalem, but his heart was moved for the city and his own people.
3 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.’
4 When I heard these things, I SAT DOWN AND WEPT. FOR SOME DAYS I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1
Nehemiah was moved to, ‘mourn, fast and pray’ to God for the capital of his people. He was more focused on the plight of his people and their nation than on himself.
Nehemiah’s Prayer IS A MODEL for those who are interceding to God for themselves and others.
5 Then I said:
‘Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God (Respect and Honour), who keeps his covenant of love (Covenant of Love, God loves His people, even when we’re far away in exile) with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night (Sincere Prayer) for your servants, the people of Israel.
It continues with personal identification with the sins of his people, before any requests are made.
8 ‘REMEMBER the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, “If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but IF YOU RETURN TO ME and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I WILL GATHER THEM FROM THERE AND BRING THEM to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.”
Nehemiah uses the REMEMBER a number times in his book and this is the first place he says it. He Reminds God First what He has said previously to Moses.
10 ‘They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 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 FAVOUR in the presence of this man.’
It’s one thing to pray and petition God, but for Nehemiah, this was a prelude to standing before the king of Babylon and asking for permission to return to the city of his fathers. Nehemiah also used the word ‘Favour’ four times in this book, but he first asked God for Favour to go back where Israel should always have been. A good prayer for some of us no doubt.
God bless and keep you today.