Bold Prayer
Our weather is changing and the rain for most of the afternoon reminds us that fall is here. But at least it is not snow and it makes it easier to take an afternoon nap.
Today I made the trek to the Larimer County Courthouse to renew our license plates for our cars. It actually went quickly for which I was glad. I then went across the street to “Everyday Joes.” This is a coffeehouse, gathering place and a church that is a ministry of Timberline Church. I was able to connect with my friend Darren Fred who serves as the pastor of the congregation that meets there and directs this unique community outreach.
With the weather being warmer than anticipated for this time of the year Debbie was able to cut some of the remaining roses and bring them inside for us to enjoy.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray…” Nehemiah 1:5,6
Nehemiah was a man of prayer, he was a great leader, he was a servant. With all those descriptions he began as a servant in a trusted position before the King as a cupbearer. His prayers placed him in a position of leadership and we see that his leadership was sustained by prayer.
The book that bears Nehemiah’s name begins appropriately with his intercession. Nehemiah was not satisfied with all being well for him personally. His heart was with his people and with God’s city Jerusalem. I notice that the condition of the wall of Jerusalem compelled Nehemiah to days of mourning, fasting and praying. This was not a quick prayer and on with life. I notice in his prayer that….
Nehemiah recognizes God for who He is. (v. 5) He refers to the Lord as the “great and awesome God.” When we pray we need to understand the God we seek and the One who is object of our faith. Prayer is not an insignificant exercise, this is our audience before the creator of the universe, who is all powerful, who keeps His promises and manifests “steadfast love” to His people.
Nehemiah confesses his sin and the sin of God’s people. (v. 6-7) This was not prayer that focused on “them” but “us” and “me.” While Nehemiah was praying for God’s people who had “acted corruptly and not kept God’s commands” he was not pointing the finger but praying for forgiveness for his sins and sins of his father’s house.
Nehemiah reminds God of His promises. (v 8-10) Nehemiah knew God’s word to His people and he reminded God of those promises of restoration after rebellion lead to judgment and exile. This is the bold part. Nehemiah begins in worship and contrition, now he boldly reminds God of His promises and that these are the people who belong to Him that He redeemed by God’s “great power and strong hand.”
Nehemiah asks for favor. (v. 11) It seems that in his time of seeking the Lord that Nehemiah knew that if God’s people were to be helped that he needed to be involved and that the King’s favor and action was needed. Like Esther, it seemed like the Lord placed him in a strategic position “for such a time as this.” Nehemiah was in the right place, at the right time. But he also recognized that without God granting him “mercy” before the King any request by a servant in his position could mean death.
Pastor and author, Mark Batterson, says, “Bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers.” (The Circle Maker, pg. 13) I believe this is especially true when we “get outside of ourselves” and see the needs of our neighbors, community, country and world. It is easy to be fervent about that which concerns the comfort and provision of our life, but do we allow our heart to be touched by the “bigger picture” that God sees?
Consider the pattern of prayer of Nehemiah. Recognize and worship God for who He is. Confess your sins and agree with God that His judgement is deserved, seek forgiveness. But remind God (and yourself) that He is loving, faithful and true to His Word. Learn to pray the promises of God. Seek the favor of the Lord in your circles of influence. The job where God has placed you, the position of influence that you have are not by accident. Allow that Lord to use you to make a difference through bold prayers and a winsome lifestyle.