2. Nehemiah One of the last of the Historical Books After the return from Captivity Nehemiah 1:1-3 Nehemiah devises a plan in order to rebuild the walls.

3. Immediate and Persistent Prayer (Neh. 1:1-4) Nehemiah receives devastating news! An initial reaction: Prayer! – “God first!” (Neh. 4:4, 9) – A learned impulse Diligent and dedicated – “Day and Night” (vs. 6) – Consider the dates (1:1; 2:1) Hebrew calendar= a difference of 4 months – A great example of NT teaching on prayer: Matt. 7:7-8 Luke 18; persistent widow.

4. Prayer based on God’s Promises (Neh. 1:8-10) Nehemiah – Recalls the curses- Lev. 26:27-33; Deut. 4:25-27; 28;64; – Recalls the blessing-Lev. 26:3-13; Deut. 28:1-14). – Recalls the promise of restoration (Lev. 26:40-42; Deut. 4:29-31; 30:1-6). Moses – Ex. 32:13; Deut. 9:27 Daniel – Daniel 9:2-4, 23

5. Individual responsibility: (Nehemiah 1:6-7, 11) Considers himself as part of the problem – “We have sinned” – “I and my father’s house have sinned” Desires to be part of the solution – His prayer looks forward to his own action; “grant him (your servant) mercy in the sight of this man” (Artaxerxes). (vs. 11) – Nehemiah is willing to help fulfill part of the prayer. – our prayers should be followed with action that shows faith in God answering those prayers. – Matthew 9-10