Nehemiah, chapter 1 | Pablo Rios

Pray without ceasing – Talk to God, he listens.

Our verse of reference in Nehemiah 1 is:

“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 1:5 NIV).

Reflection

learn to pray.

Historical Commentary.- Nehemiah, a Hebrew exiles in Persia, occupied a position of influence and honor in the court. As cupbearer for the king, he had free access to the royal presence, by virtue of his position, and thanks to his abilities and fidelity, he became a friend and adviser to the king. Yet despite enjoying the royal favor and being surrounded by pomp and splendor, he did not forget his God or his people. With all his heart, he turned to Jerusalem and with hopes and joys about the prosperity of that city. God had prepared Nehemiah to be a vessel in the delivery of God’s people. While Nehemiah prayed, he strengthened his faith and courage to talk frankly with God and tell God some of his strongest arguments. Nehemiah noted the dishonor that would fall on God if His people, how now turned to Him, was left weak and in oppression, Nehemiah insisted for the Lord to fulfill His promise. PR 464.

Lesson on praying properly.- Learn from the customs of Nehemiah’s prayer and his model: a) Talking to God as a “good friend”; b) Be certain that God hears, so demand to be heard; c) To worship God through praise, mention some of the attributes of God’s divinity and honor Him.

Make specific requests.- Pray to God, who knows no failures, he can give us victories to the challenges we are facing today. Nehemiah asked to gain the favor of Artaxerxes. Pray that God may grant us His grace to to be successful in any specific order or need that we want. Remember that “To pray as Nehemiah prayed in time of need is a resource available to us under the circumstances where other forms of prayer may be impossible. “PR 466.

Prayer

Almighty God. Thanks for the privilege of being able to communicate directly with your presence. We pray for love to return in the life of couples who are destroying their marriages, bring peace and reconciliation to their lives. We pray for the restoration of health in our loved ones. In the name of Jesus, amen.

By Dr. Franz Rios and Pablo Rios.

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