Nehemiah 1 Devotional

Praying God's Promises Back

“Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments,”Nehemiah 1:5 (BSB)

Nehemiah is serving in the citadel of Susa when his brother brings news. The survivors in Judah are in great trouble and disgrace, and Jerusalem's wall is broken down and its gates burned (1:1-3). Nehemiah sits down and weeps, and for days he mourns, fasts, and prays (1:4). Before he asks for anything, he speaks of who God is: great and awesome, keeping his covenant of loving devotion (1:5).

Then he confesses, counting himself and his own family among those who have sinned (1:6-7). His request rests not on Israel's record but on God's word. He reminds the LORD of what he told Moses: scattering for unfaithfulness, but gathering for those who return, even from the farthest horizon (1:8-9; see Deuteronomy 30:1-4). He calls Israel the people God redeemed by his great power (1:10). Last, he asks for mercy before the king (1:11). God's promises are meant to be prayed as well as read. When you do not know how to begin, you can begin with what he has already said.

To think about: Which promise of God could you turn into a prayer today, for yourself or for people you care about?