Young People's Group

LEARNING TO INTERCEDE WELL FOR OTHERS

by Pastor Mitch
March 08, 2009

Applying Nehemiah’s Features Of Prayer

Nehemiah is a good example of one who interceded well for others. When he prayed for his brethren at Jerusalem, he prayed in an effective way. The Lord heard and answered his prayer. Young people, let’s also seek to know how to pray well from the example of Nehemiah. What were some of the important features of Nehemiah’s prayer?

1. Praying With A Deep Knowledge Of God

“And I said: ‘I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe your
commandments'” 
Nehemiah 1:5

When Nehemiah began his prayer, he demonstrated a depth of knowledge of God. He addressed God as the Lord of heaven. He recognised God as the great and awesome God who kept His covenant with His people. If we want to pray well, we must seek to know God in a deeper way. We must increase our knowledge of Him.

2. Praying Ceaselessly For People

“Which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants” 
Nehemiah 1:6

Nehemiah also ceaselessly prayed for his brethren. Day and night, he was concerned enough to pray for them. He identified with the people and confessed their sins. We do not just begin praying for those in need. Praying for people requires faith and commitment. It is vital that we learn to continue in prayer for those in need.

3. Praying With The Word Of God In Mind

“Remember, I pray, the word that you commanded Your servant Moses” 
Nehemiah 1:8

Nehemiah had the word of God in mind as he prayed. He referred to the word of the Lord with regard to what He had commanded Moses. He prayed with reference to the covenant that God had given to the people of Israel. When we pray with the word of God in mind, He will answer our prayers. The Lord will remember His word.

4. Praying With The Mercies Of God In Mind

“Grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” 
Nehemiah 1:11

As Nehemiah prayed for the people, he sought the Lord for mercy to be granted to him. He prayed that somehow King Artaxerxes would allow him to go back to Jerusalem to see how his own people were doing. He pleaded for the mercies of the Lord. When we pray, let’s also seek to come before God’s throne of grace and to seek for His mercies. Let’s pray that God would be most gracious to those who are in need and those who do not know the Lord. Let’s learn to plead the mercies of God.

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