Nehemiah Chapter 1

Even though the returned exiles had been in Jerusalem for many years, the wall of the city remained unrepaired, leaving its people unprotected and vulnerable. Walls mean little in most present-day cities, but in Nehemiah’s day, walls were extremely essential. They offered safety from enemies and symbolized strength and peace.

When Hanani and some other men came to visit Nehemia, Nehemiah asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem. They told him that things were not going well for those who returned to Jerusalem. They were in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down and the gates have been destroyed by fire. Nehemiah broke down and wept when he heard the news about the state of Jerusalem’s wall.

In fact, for several days he mourned, fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven. He expressed his sorrow for Israel’s sin and his desire that Jerusalem would again come alive with the worship of The One True God.

Nevertheless, although Nehemiah was deeply grieved, but he did not just contemplate about the matter. After his grief, fast and prayer, he looked for ways to improve the situation.

In his prayer, Nehemia demonstrated the elements of effective prayer: praise and thanksgiving (1:5), repentance (1:6-7), specific requests and commitment (1:8-11). By the end of his prayer, Nehemiah knew what action he had to take (1:11). And he did not pray for personal benefit, position, or glory, but he prayed for the success of God’s work.

How often do you pray for the success of God’s work? 

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