When Nehemiah got word, from his brethren, concerning the conditions of God�s people at Jerusalem (his brethren's afflictions and reproaches), he was brought to the alter of God: the only place where help would come.
His prayers (of least four months, with fasting and tears) are a classic example of intercessory prayers that the Lord hears from His people�s hearts. Nehemiah mourned, prayed, and fasted (many days and months) for their welfare - before the God of Heaven. His name means �the Lord Comforts�, which is most fitting for this man, who knelt before the God of Heaven in intercessory prayers for his brethren.
Nehemiah approached the God of Heaven with praise, worship, and reminded God who He was ... the Lord God of Heaven, the great and terrible God that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments. ( Neh. 1:5 ) Thus, he was giving worship and honor unto God and, then, asking God to hear his prayer for the children of Israel, God's servants.
Nehemiah confessed his sins and the sins of the Israel people, their disobedience and the rebellious nature, and reminded God of His judgment and the scattering of His people.
Then, the great "IF". That is, IF ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.
( Nehemiah 1:9 )
In verse 10, Nehemiah says, "Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand."
And in verse eleven, Nehemiah continues, "O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name; and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day and grant him mercy in the sight of this man, For I was the king�s cupbearer."
This is a perfect example for us to learn to pray intercessory prayers that are pleasing to our Father and Lord Jesus Christ, so they will hear and answer, and give us the desires of our hearts ... like Nehemiah, who prayed this for several months - over tears, fasting, and unconditional love for his fellow men who were suffering and hurting, in poverty.
The Lord heard and answered as Nehemiah stood before the King and Queen, looking sad, and was asked to explain. In the explanation, the Lord blessed Nehemiah and granted his prayers. The king reversed over 20 years of decisions and changed the course of the history of God�s people, and let go to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
This was a great big asking of the king because, if the Lord had prepared the king and queen through the prayers of Nehemiah, Nehemiah could have lost position and maybe his life. But his prayers were answered and used to fulfill God�s purposes for His people, with the rebuilding of the walls and the victories over all enemies.
Confess your faults one to another; and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
( James 5:16 )
It is by this great love of the Father, Lord Jesus Christ, and God�s people that prayers are answered and His people are abundantly blessed.
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