Sermon Central
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The Prayer Of Nehemiah
Contributed by Keith Butler on Aug 4, 2005 (message contributor)
Summary: A look at the prayer life of Nehemiah, and how prayer affected his work and his life.
THE PRAYER OF NEHEMIAH
Key Verse and Theme: “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 1:4)
1. Nehemiah was a man of prayer.
A. Nehemiah records a long time of prayer and fasting before he asked for God to act. (Nehemiah 1:4)
B. Nehemiah waited 5-6 months before he approached the king for permission to return to Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 1:1 and 2:1)
C. Nehemiah prayed right before asking for the right to rebuild Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2:4-5)
2. Nehemiah recognized the need for repentance.
A. Nehemiah confessed his own sins.
B. Nehemiah confessed the sins of Israel.
C. Nehemiah knew God was a God of grace. (Nehemiah 1:8-9)
3. Nehemiah approaches the king for permission.
A. The king asked Nehemiah why his condition had changed.
B. The king recognized the trouble in Nehemiah’s heart.
C. Nehemiah found favor in the king’s eyes.
1. Nehemiah was allowed to go to Jerusalem.
2. Nehemiah was given supplies for Jerusalem.
3. The Israelites rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem in fifty-two days. (Nehemiah 6:15)
4. Why was Nehemiah successful?
A. Nehemiah was consistent in his prayer life.
B. Nehemiah was conscious of the need for repentance.
C. Nehemiah was content to wait on God to provide.
D. Nehemiah was confident in the power of God.