Lesson 341: "Nehemiah's Prayer"
Although written more than 1500 years ago, Nehemiah’s prayer seems fitting today so I offer it as a reminder and a prayer for our communities and nations.
"O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and obey His commands. Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘if you are unfaithful I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’ They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man".
Nehemiah INVITED God to use him to save the city of Jerusalem. God answered and Nehemiah went to work on a project that took twelve years with his enemies and co-workers against him all the way. Isaiah INVITED God to use him saying, "Here am I, send me". Have you INVITED God to use you? Have you worked on "the wall" for twelve years or spent twenty one days fasting and praying like Daniel for your community, church, and nation? Have you sat still long enough in the presence of God to actually hear His voice?
"It is no frivolous matter to hear the voice of God and certainly it is an awesome trust to deign to speak for Him. Luther said that preaching made his knees knock. Spurgeon, the brilliant British preacher, said he trembled lest he should misinterpret the Word. The quiet often unnoticed actions of "ordinary" Christians who believe and obey speak far more loudly than all the bombast of so-called religious leaders" (Charles Colson). God speaks for Himself through His holy and infallible Word AND through the quiet obedience of His servants; you and I!