Pray the Scriptures, June 19

Nehemiah 2

Comparing 2:1 with 1:1 indicates that Nehemiah prayed for four months before an opportunity arose to speak to the king.

Lord God Almighty,

I thank you for the example of Nehemiah’s persistence in prayer, and I ask that you will produce in us that same persistence. May we pray to you day and night for the things that you have put on our hearts, and wait patiently for you to begin to move in response to our prayers.

As you put it in Nehemiah’s heart to rebuild his city and nation, so I pray that you will put into our hearts those things that you want us to do for you. May we seize the windows of opportunity you open to us, and continue to pray to you, the God of heaven, at each step.

I pray that we will move forward even when we are very much afraid, and even in the face of those who are very much disturbed by what we are doing. Grant us perseverance even in the face of mocking, ridicule, and false accusation.

Please grant us favor in the eyes of those who can help us. Bring others to our side to help us begin the good work to which you have called us. May your gracious hand be upon us as your servants. We plead with you, the God of heaven, to give us success.

We confess that, like ancient Israel, we as a people are in great trouble and our land lies in moral ruins. We pray that you will raise up political leaders like Nehemiah at every level in our nation, men who will pray to you as the God of heaven and who will genuinely seek the welfare of our people. Please put your plans, your counsel, and your word in their hearts that they may know what you want them to do. May your good hand be upon them and cause them to prosper.

We pray that you will show each of us what our part is in building up this broken land. May we rise up and build, and may we strengthen our hands in you for the good work. We pray together that you, as the God of heaven, will cause this nation once again to prosper.

We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.