Prayer and Praise (Nehemiah 9:1-5) - 8/31/22

INTRO

• The wall is finished.

• Now Nehemiah prepares the people to succeed

• Chapters 8–13 is the preparation of the spiritual people

• A spiritual revival – A Nation/People set apart for God

• Nehemiah continues to encourage REVIVAL within the people.

• We do not need to overthink what brings upon TRUE REVIVAL

They prepared to encounter God – v. 1

• Gathered

  • Assembled

  • We are meant to be TOGETHER

  • Corporate worship (Singing, Praying)

• Fasted

  • Set aside, so they could meet with God

• In sackcloth

• Earth on their heads

They pursued holiness in fear of God – v. 2

• Separated themselves

  • From the ways of the world

  • Contrary to God’s ways

  • FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOLINESS

• Confessed sin

  • Individually

  • Corporately

• Confession and Repentance

  • Acknowledgment OF the sin

  • Sorrow OVER the sin

  • Turning FROM the sin

They positioned themselves to hear from God – v. 3

• Stood

• Read from book of the law

• Quarter of the day

• With expectation

  • Confessed after hearing

The voice of God. The Word of God

• Hear

• Believe

• Respond

With a joyful heart they praised God – vv. 4-5

• Scripture – He speaks to us

• Praise – We speak to Him