This book covers much of the same time period as Ezra, and shares many similarities. Some of the Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, however, the walls which would have protected them from enemies were not yet rebuilt. Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, hears of this and begins to mourn, crying out to God for forgiveness and help.
“O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned.” (v5-6)
I know I say this about many prayers, but this is one of my favorite prayers in scripture. Nehemiah mourns, and cries out to God, virtually right in front of the king he serves. He intercedes in prayer on behalf of his people, begging for forgiveness from past and present sin. He acknowledges God, and calls upon his promises, praising Him and invoking His aid all in one breath.
Most church services I have attended seem to understate/underutilize prayer. Prayer, scripturally speaking, is the most important part of a Christ follower’s walk with God. Without prayer, the way in which we communicate with God, we’re basically just doing our own thing. We might still be a ‘good person’, but we’re not following Jesus very closely (He prayed to the Father all of the time for a variety of reasons).
When I have heard teachings on prayer, many of those still overlook intercessory prayer, which is praying to God on behalf of someone else. It seems most/all of God’s prophets and priests prayed for the forgiveness and spiritual healing of others.
I am quick to pray for the physical healing of others, but how often do I pray for their spiritual healing? Not as often as I should. I strongly encourage all of us (especially me) to incorporate intercession into our regular prayers, asking God to forgive and spiritually heal others. Will our prayer for their forgiveness negate their need to personally ask God for forgiveness? No, but perhaps God will hear our pleas and soften their heart to the point of repentance.
Father God, our Glorious and Magnificent Lord, thank you for pouring Your steadfast love upon us. I thank you for keeping Your word, and not abandoning or forsaking us when we turn away from You. Please forgive our past transgressions, including my own, and soften our hearts. May we be drawn into closer personal relationships with You, so we would forsake the sinful ways of this world and not our Creator God. Please heal those who are broken-hearted, those who have suffered loss, and those who are lonely. Please turn all eyes toward Yourself, and work miracles in and through us Your servants, for Your glory. In the holy and awesome name of Jesus we praise You. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training