Faithful Prayer: Lessons from Nehemiah and Nigeria
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! It's wonderful to be back with you all after a whirlwind of travels, including a significant trip to Nigeria. Today, I want to share some reflections and lessons from my recent experiences, particularly focusing on the importance of being faithful in prayer. During my time in Nigeria, I was reminded of the joy, patience, and faithfulness in prayer that characterize the Nigerian people, even amidst challenging circumstances. This led me to reflect on my own prayer life and the need for a deeper, more consistent connection with God.
We explored Romans 12:12, which calls us to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. The Nigerian people exemplify these qualities, celebrating every small victory, enduring hardships with patience, and praying fervently for every need. This stands in stark contrast to the often individualistic and self-sufficient mindset prevalent in Western culture, which can lead to a diminished prayer life.
We then turned to Nehemiah 1 to understand what it means to be faithful in prayer. Nehemiah's prayer is a powerful example of acknowledging God's greatness, confessing sins, aligning with God's promises, and making specific requests. Nehemiah's deep relationship with God allowed him to boldly call on God's promises and seek His favor in a time of national crisis.
In our own lives, we must cultivate a similar relationship with God, recognizing His supremacy, confessing our sins, aligning our hearts with His will, and making bold, specific requests. This kind of prayer life not only draws us closer to God but also empowers us to support and love those around us more effectively.
### Key Takeaways
1. Acknowledging God's Supremacy: Nehemiah begins his prayer by acknowledging God's greatness and faithfulness. This sets the foundation for a humble and dependent relationship with God. Recognizing that God is the potter and we are the clay helps us trust in His wisdom and love, even when His plans differ from our desires. [47:21]
2. Confession and Community: Nehemiah's prayer includes both communal and personal confession. This teaches us the importance of being vulnerable and open about our struggles, not only with God but also within our faith community. True confession fosters humility and a deeper reliance on God's grace, breaking down self-righteousness and judgment. [49:54]
3. Aligning with God's Promises: Nehemiah reminds God of His promises, showing a deep understanding of God's will. This alignment with God's word and promises strengthens our faith and gives us the boldness to approach God with our needs. It also helps us to pray in accordance with His will, ensuring that our desires are in line with His divine plan. [53:25]
4. Bold and Specific Requests: Nehemiah's prayer ends with a specific request for favor. This teaches us to be clear and bold in our prayers, trusting that God cares about the details of our lives. Specific prayers not only help us to see God's hand at work but also build our faith as we witness His answers. [57:01]
5. Consistency in Prayer: Throughout Nehemiah's story, we see his consistent reliance on prayer, even in the face of opposition. This consistency is crucial for a vibrant spiritual life. Like Jesus, who prayed continually, we must develop a habit of turning to God in every situation, trusting in His faithfulness and timing. [01:06:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:53] - Recent Travels and Family Updates
[27:42] - Reflections from Nigeria
[29:30] - Romans 12:12 and Nigerian Resilience
[32:40] - The Importance of Prayer
[35:39] - What Does It Mean to Be Faithful in Prayer?
[37:09] - God's Will in 1 Thessalonians 5:16
[39:29] - Nehemiah's Prayer
[44:01] - Relating to Nehemiah's Situation
[47:21] - Acknowledging God's Supremacy
[49:54] - Confession and Community
[53:25] - Aligning with God's Promises
[57:01] - Bold and Specific Requests
[01:06:22] - Consistency in Prayer
[01:08:51] - Jesus' Example and Our Response
[01:10:26] - Communion Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:12 - "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
2. Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's prayer acknowledging God's greatness, confessing sins, aligning with God's promises, and making specific requests.
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three qualities mentioned in Romans 12:12 that we are called to embody? ([29:30])
2. How does Nehemiah begin his prayer in Nehemiah 1, and why is this significant? ([47:21])
3. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, what is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus? ([37:09])
4. What specific request does Nehemiah make at the end of his prayer in Nehemiah 1? ([57:01])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does acknowledging God's supremacy in prayer, as Nehemiah did, set the foundation for a humble and dependent relationship with God? ([47:21])
2. Why is communal and personal confession important in our prayer life, and how does it foster humility and reliance on God's grace? ([49:54])
3. What does it mean to align our prayers with God's promises, and how can this strengthen our faith? ([53:25])
4. How can making bold and specific requests in our prayers help us to see God's hand at work in our lives? ([57:01])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. How often do you acknowledge God's supremacy and greatness in your prayers? What can you do to make this a regular practice? ([47:21])
2. Think about a time when you confessed your sins to God or within your faith community. How did this experience impact your relationship with God and others? ([49:54])
3. Are there specific promises of God that you need to remind yourself of in your prayers? How can you incorporate these promises into your daily prayer routine? ([53:25])
4. Identify a specific need or situation in your life right now. How can you make a bold and specific request to God about this need? ([57:01])
5. Consistency in prayer is crucial for a vibrant spiritual life. What steps can you take to develop a habit of turning to God in every situation, as Nehemiah did? ([01:06:22])
6. How can you support and encourage others in your faith community to be faithful in prayer, especially during challenging times? ([49:54])
7. Reflect on the example of the Nigerian people’s joy, patience, and faithfulness in prayer. How can you incorporate these qualities into your own life, especially in the face of difficulties? ([29:30])
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing God's Supremacy
In Nehemiah's prayer, he begins by acknowledging God's greatness and faithfulness. This sets the foundation for a humble and dependent relationship with God. Recognizing that God is the potter and we are the clay helps us trust in His wisdom and love, even when His plans differ from our desires. When we start our prayers by focusing on God's supremacy, we remind ourselves of His power and sovereignty over all circumstances. This perspective shift is crucial, especially when we face challenges that seem insurmountable.
By acknowledging God's supremacy, we also cultivate a heart of worship and reverence. It helps us to see our problems in the light of His greatness, reducing our anxieties and increasing our faith. This practice not only strengthens our relationship with God but also aligns our hearts with His will, making our prayers more effective and heartfelt. [47:21]
Isaiah 64:8 (ESV): "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."
Reflection: How can you start your prayers by acknowledging God's greatness today? What specific attributes of God can you focus on to remind yourself of His supremacy?
Day 2: Confession and Community
Nehemiah's prayer includes both communal and personal confession. This teaches us the importance of being vulnerable and open about our struggles, not only with God but also within our faith community. True confession fosters humility and a deeper reliance on God's grace, breaking down self-righteousness and judgment. When we confess our sins, we acknowledge our need for God's mercy and forgiveness, which is a crucial step in spiritual growth.
Confession also strengthens the bonds within our faith community. When we share our struggles and failures, we create an environment of trust and support. This openness encourages others to be honest about their own struggles, fostering a community of grace and mutual encouragement. By practicing confession, we not only grow closer to God but also build stronger, more authentic relationships with our fellow believers. [49:54]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Is there a sin or struggle you need to confess to God or a trusted friend today? How can you create a habit of regular confession in your life?
Day 3: Aligning with God's Promises
Nehemiah reminds God of His promises, showing a deep understanding of God's will. This alignment with God's word and promises strengthens our faith and gives us the boldness to approach God with our needs. It also helps us to pray in accordance with His will, ensuring that our desires are in line with His divine plan. When we pray according to God's promises, we can be confident that He hears us and will act according to His perfect will.
Aligning our prayers with God's promises requires us to know His word intimately. This means spending time in the Bible, meditating on His promises, and allowing them to shape our prayers and desires. As we do this, our faith grows, and we become more attuned to God's heart and purposes. This alignment not only makes our prayers more powerful but also transforms us into people who reflect God's character and priorities. [53:25]
2 Peter 1:4 (ESV): "By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
Reflection: What promises of God can you incorporate into your prayers today? How can aligning your prayers with God's promises change the way you approach Him?
Day 4: Bold and Specific Requests
Nehemiah's prayer ends with a specific request for favor. This teaches us to be clear and bold in our prayers, trusting that God cares about the details of our lives. Specific prayers not only help us to see God's hand at work but also build our faith as we witness His answers. When we bring our detailed needs before God, we demonstrate our trust in His ability to provide and our belief that He is interested in every aspect of our lives.
Being specific in our prayers also helps us to recognize and celebrate God's answers more clearly. When we see God respond to our detailed requests, our faith is strengthened, and our gratitude deepens. This practice encourages us to continue bringing our needs before God with confidence, knowing that He is a loving Father who delights in caring for His children. [57:01]
Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV): "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."
Reflection: What specific needs or desires can you bring before God today? How can you practice being more detailed and bold in your prayers?
Day 5: Consistency in Prayer
Throughout Nehemiah's story, we see his consistent reliance on prayer, even in the face of opposition. This consistency is crucial for a vibrant spiritual life. Like Jesus, who prayed continually, we must develop a habit of turning to God in every situation, trusting in His faithfulness and timing. Consistent prayer keeps us connected to God, helps us to remain focused on His will, and provides us with the strength and guidance we need to navigate life's challenges.
Consistency in prayer also deepens our relationship with God. As we regularly spend time in His presence, we grow more attuned to His voice and more dependent on His guidance. This ongoing communication with God transforms our hearts and minds, making us more like Christ. By making prayer a consistent part of our daily lives, we cultivate a strong, resilient faith that can withstand any trial. [01:06:22]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: How can you create a habit of consistent prayer in your daily routine? What steps can you take to ensure that you turn to God in every situation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We need to be encouraged, we need to be loved. We need to feel loved by God. And so, actually while I was back in Nigeria... I actually got to visit our sister church in Abuja, Nigeria, the capital. I got to spend some time with some brothers... They send their wishes. They send their love to you all. They send their thanks for all the special missions that you've been given." [27:42] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Nigerian people, they're probably one of the most happiest people I've ever met. Every weekend there's a party, there's a celebration. They're always celebrating and joyful about something... They always want to celebrate. They always find any reason to celebrate. And so I was reminded, even though there's tumultuous times in that country, they're joyful always." [30:12] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Nigerians, and I think it's an African culture thing, they pray for every single thing. Every single instance demands a prayer... They pray together, they fight for each other, they fight with each other, and they're always praying." [31:51] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If that's what Jesus our Lord needs to do, and he does, who are we to think that we don't need prayer? Jesus prays before he heals, after he heals. He prays to do the Father's will. He's also teaching the importance of prayer, and he teaches us even the Lord's prayer." [38:51] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Being a Christian doesn't mean that life is going to be full of roses. It means that whenever life throws us curve balls, we turn to God humbly in prayer. It means that like Jesus, we will be consistent in praying through those struggles until we find our hearts being submissive to God's will and being patient to see him working our lives." [01:08:22] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The first thing Nehemiah does once again is to ground himself in the understanding of the supremacy of God. The next thing Nehemiah does is confession. He does communal confession but also personal confession. Family, how are we when brothers and sisters come to you and confess their sins to you? What's your first response?" [48:48] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Nehemiah says, 'I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.' As a family of believers, as a region, as a house church, in your house church, are we coming together in community to pray for one another?" [49:54] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The more you grow in your relationship with God, the bolder your prayers will become because the more your heart will begin to line up with God's heart. Lastly, he finally makes his request. After all of that, the last verse, he says, 'Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.' We have to get good at being specific and asking God what we need." [57:01] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So today, if your prayer life is shaky, two questions you need to ask yourself: Am I depending on my own powers or on human powers, or am I depending on God? And second thing is, do I actually love the people around me?" [01:06:54] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We also have our Lord and Savior, who himself was God, and he found it very necessary to be open with his father in the toughest moment, humbled himself by inviting others to pray with him, and he submitted to his father's will. He did this because he had you and I in mind. He saw the bigger picture and he fought through to submit to his father's will so we could share in the same love the father has for us freely." [01:07:54] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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