Key verse: Nehemiah 1:4b “I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”
Prayer makes all the difference. If our hearts are moved, on seeing the pathetic condition of our brethren, we ought to pray for them. Prayer will change their situations and will equip us to bring a change in their lives as well.
Elements of a Leader’s Prayer:
- a) Give GOD the glory: Understand that glory belongs to the LORD and give Him all praise and glory. (Verse 5).
- b) Intercede for the people, by standing in the gap: He took up the sins of the whole community and asked GOD for forgiveness. He had no prayer partners to share in his pain, but his heart was filled with the pain and agony that the people in Jerusalem were facing at that time. (Verse 6).
- c) Identify the Root of the Problem: A leader must identify the place where they have drifted away from the divine purpose. Nehemiah found the reason for their downfall-sinning against GOD by not abiding in the word of GOD. (Verse 7).
- d) Remember the Promise of the LORD: Nehemiah knew the consequences of going against the word of GOD, but was assured about the gracious heart of GOD. He was sure that GOD would bring them back from the ends of the world, if they were ready to repent of their wrongdoings. (Verse 8-10).
- e) Seek GOD’s Grace: Ask GOD to show HIS mercy on the people. Nehemiah took up the sins of the community and asked GOD for forgiveness and he waited for guidance from GOD to move on further. (Verse 11).
In the later chapters, we see a man of courage. GOD equipped Nehemiah through prayer. He had the heart to be a leader and GOD put it on the right track when he surrendered himself through prayer.
Practical Living: Submit your lives, in prayer. You may have a call on your life, but the call is put on the right track only when you spend time with GOD and HIS Word!
