KNEES BEFORE SLEEVES

Key Verse

Nehemiah’s Prayer in Nehemiah 1:5-11

Nehemiah was mourning the news that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down. In response to this, Nehemiah fasted and prayed to God. We can see in his prayer that he first reminded himself of who God is (v5), and then he reminded himself of who he is (v6). In verse 8 we see Nehemiah remembering the promises of God, and finally, after spending a great deal of time in worship and reverence to a “dreadfully awe-ful” Father, Nehemiah makes a request that God would, “give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (v11) That man was the King of Persia, Artaxerxes.

We see from Nehemiah’s example that the real work begins in prayer when no one is around. We must look up in our prayer life and remember who God is!

Questions to discuss as a family today

1. Who is God? Spend some time remembering who He is.

2. Do you know God’s promises? Name 3 of them…or more!

3. Who are the Artaxerxes’ in your life? (Those who have influence over you)

Prayer

Spend the bulk of your prayer time “looking up”. Take time in your home to worship God for who He is. Then confess as a family who you are, and thank God for specific promises in His word that apply to your family. Finally, pray for the “Artaxerxes'” in your life. Ask God to change their hearts towards Him. And remember…that starts with you!