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Nehemiah-1

A Heartbroken Prayer: A Devotional Study on Nehemiah 1​

Introduction​

Nehemiah 1 chronicles a poignant moment in the life of the Jewish leader, Nehemiah. After hearing about the desolate state of Jerusalem, Nehemiah responds with heartbroken prayer. As we read through Nehemiah's prayer, let's reflect on the profound lessons it teaches us about the role of prayer and our hearts' capacity for brokenness.

Section 1: Nehemiah's Initial Response (Nehemiah 1:1-3)​

Devotional Thought: Nehemiah learns of the ruined walls and weeping faces of Jerusalem's people, prompting him to turn his heart to prayer. Nehemiah's response shows us the importance of responding in prayer to the concerns of our communities and loved ones.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you typically respond to the concerns and needs of your community or loved ones?
  • How can you cultivate a heart for prayer and respond in prayer when confronted with the needs of others?

Section 2: Nehemiah Remembers (Nehemiah 1:4-11)​

Devotional Thought: As Nehemiah reflects on the history of God's people and the way He has dealt with them, he acknowledges their recurring patterns of rebellion and disobedience, yet still trusts in God's faithfulness and loving-kindness. May we, too, remember the faithfulness of God and trust that He will continue to carry us through our rebellion and disobedience.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does it help you to remember the faithfulness of God in your personal history?
  • In what ways can you trust in God's loving-kindness as He deals with your rebellion and disobedience?

Section 3: Nehemiah Confesses (Nehemiah 1:12-13)​

Devotional Thought: Nehemiah recognizes his own unworthiness, acknowledging that he is a foreigner in God's sight. Consider the depth of Nehemiah's brokenness as he confesses his unworthiness to God. May we, too, humbly confess our unworthiness and trust in God's grace and mercy.

Reflection Questions:

  • What does it look like for you to confess your unworthiness to God?
  • In what ways can you embrace God's grace and mercy in the face of your own unworthiness?

Section 4: Nehemiah Pleads (Nehemiah 1:14-15)​

Devotional Thought: Nehemiah pleads with God for mercy and compassion for Jerusalem's people, recognizing their sin and shame. Reflect on the depth of Nehemiah's plea as he acknowledges the brokenness of his people and begs for mercy and compassion from God.

Reflection Questions:

  • In what ways can you plead with God for mercy and compassion for the brokenness of your community or loved ones?
  • How can you cultivate a heart that acknowledges the brokenness of others and pleads with God for mercy and compassion?

Conclusion:​

As we conclude our devotional journey through Nehemiah 1, let's stand in awe of Nehemiah's heartbroken prayer. Nehemiah's prayer serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responding in prayer to the needs of our communities and loved ones. May we cultivate hearts that are broken for others, pleading with God for mercy and compassion, trusting in His faithfulness, grace, and loving-kindness.