Pray the Scriptures, June 21

Nehemiah 4

Lord God Almighty,

I pray that you will move among us as you moved among your people in Nehemiah’s time. Move us to care deeply about our city and our nation, go to work to repair and rebuild our culture according to your will, and turn the heart of our people back to you. I pray that by your Spirit you will prompt us to work with all our heart so that the work may go ahead and the gaps may be closed.

As your people seek to rebuild, Lord, we know that there will be those who become angry and incensed at our efforts and ridicule us. They will accuse us of being feeble and will plot together to fight against us and stir up trouble against us.

I pray that you will hear our prayers when we are despised and insults are thrown in our faces. Turn the insults of our enemies on their own heads. Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight. Show us how to pray in those times and how to respond in practical ways to meet their threats. Please frustrate their plans.

Grant us renewed energy when our strength begins to give out, and give us perseverance in the face of discouragement, especially when it comes from friends. I pray that we will not be afraid, but remember that you are a great and awesome God. May we fight for our brothers, our sons, our daughters, our wives, and our homes. In the name of Jesus, we ask you to fight for us.

Amen.