Jerusalem has been beseeched and damaged by invaders. Nehemiah is in Persia in Shushan. Hanani, one of his brother, informed him of the conditions of Jerusalem and what of the remaining Jews that are there. The walls are broken down, the gates are burned with fire and the Jews that are left are in great affliction. Nehemiah was shocked by this news that he immediately took the problem to God. He sat down, wept and mourned and even fasted! In his prayer for the others, Nehemiah includes himself. For he understand how short he falls in the eyes of God. He admits the corruption and the lack of following God's law. He is upfront with God. As we should be also! As a lowly cupbearer Nehemiah could do little on his own except with the Power of God. He asks God to grant mercy to the Persian king when he saw Nehemiah. The prayer is direct and powerful and does not beat around the bush. It references the Word and what God has told us in the past. Not exactly the same words but a paraphrase of them. How do we pray? This is a great example of how to pray. The Lord knows we know Him when we reference the Word in our prayers. Push yourself to pray better. For there is nothing like time with God.
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