The Arkansas Traveler

PRAYER AND FOLLOWTHROUGH

Nehemiah 1:5 - 2:9

INTRO: When Nehemiah heard that Jerusalem was still in ruins he was grieved. This led him to fast and pray -- for 3 or 4 months. This morning we would look at his prayer and the follow-through as he sought God’s direction and provision.

HIS PRAYER (Nehemiah 1:5-11)

Praise (verse 5)

Confession (6-7) Confessed that his fathers and he had sinned

Requests: (8-11): Remember your promise, (8-9)

Hear our prayer. (Others were praying.)

Give me favor with the king.

With a different arrangement of these elements we would have C.P.R.

AUDIENCE WITH THE KING (2:1-9)

Nehemiah was cupbearer -- a highly trusted servant-advisor.

He came before the king in sadness. (This was forbidden.)

The king noticed his sadness and asked about it.

The king offered to help!

Nehemiah prayed and then made his request to the king.

The plan was probably in response to earlier prayer.

PRAISE TO GOD (8)

"...because the gracious hand of God was upon me …

…the king gave my requests."

Nehemiah recognized God at work in the king's heart.

FOLLOW THROUGH

Nehemiah prayed to God and was led to go to the king.

He made request to the king with God’s leadership.

When prayers were answered, he went to the job.

RESPONSE: As we see the pattern of Nehemiah's prayer and follow through, we are challenged to trust God with our situations. As we pray to God, He will give us directions and provisions in His time. We need to wait on Him and then obey Him when He answers.

As we pray, we must follow through with obedience, confidence, expectancy, and praise.

Preached January 22, 2006.