The Prayer Of Ezra

EZRA’S PRAYER

Ezra 9:5:15

Key Verse and Theme: “What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins have deserved and have given us a remnant like this.” (Ezra 9:13)

1. Who was Ezra?

A. Ezra was a priest. (Ezra 7:1-5)

B. Ezra was in Babylon during the exile. (Ezra 7:6)

C. Ezra was returning to Jerusalem with the king’s blessings. (Ezra 7:12-26)

2. What was the state of Judah and Jerusalem?

A. The altar was destroyed and needed to be rebuilt. (Ezra 3:1-6)

B. The temple was destroyed and needed to be rebuilt. (Ezra 3:7-13)

C. The people were falling into disobedience. (Ezra 9:1-2)

3. Ezra prays for the state of Israel.

A. Ezra recognized how far Israel had fallen. (Ezra 9:6-7)

B. Ezra recognized God’s grace to Israel. (Ezra 9:8-12)

C. Ezra recognized the need for repentance. (Ezra 9:13-15)

4. How do we apply this today?

A. We need to see how far away we have fallen.

B. We need to remember God’s grace.

C. We need to express our repentance.

D. We need to recommit ourselves to follow God’s commands.