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How Nehemiah Used Prayer |
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Reference |
Occasion |
Summary of His Prayer |
What Prayer Accomplished |
Our Prayers |
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After receiving the bad news about the state of Jerusalem's walls |
Recognized God's holiness. Asked for a hearing. Confessed sin. Asked for specific help in approaching the king |
Included God in Nehemiah's plans and concerns. Prepared Nehemiah's heart and gave God room to work |
How often do you pour out your heart to God? How often do you give him a specific request to answer? |
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During his conversation with the king |
"Here's where you can help, God!" |
Put the expected results in God's hands |
Giving God credit for what happens before it happens keeps us from taking more credit than we should. |
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After being taunted and ridiculed by Tobiah and Sanballat |
"They're mocking you, God. You decide what to do with them." |
Expressed anger to God, but Nehemiah did not take matters into his own hands |
We are prone to do exactly the opposite— take matters into our hands and not tell God how we feel. |
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After threats of attack by enemies |
"We are in your hands, God. We'll keep our weapons handy in case you want us to use them." |
Showed trust in God even while taking necessary precautions |
Trusting God does not mean we do nothing. Action does not mean we do not trust. |
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Responding to threats |
"O Lord God, please strengthen me!" |
Showed Nehemiah's reliance on God for emotional and mental stability |
How often do you ask God for help when under pressure? |
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Reflecting on the actions of his enemies |
Asked God to deal with the enemies and their evil plans |
Took away the compulsion to get revenge, and entrusted justice to God |
When did you last settle a desire for revenge by turning the matter over to God? |
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Reflecting on his own efforts to serve God |
"Remember me, God." |
Kept clear in Nehemiah's mind his own motives for action |
How many of your actions today will be done with the purpose of pleasing God? |
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