Listen – Nehemiah (or Daniel, David, Paul, Peter, etc.) were all just normal human beings like you and me. There was no magic formula or special endowment on them that made their prayers better. God’s word says:
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16b)
So, were Nehemiah and these other famous men more righteous than we could ever hope to be? No! James gives us the answer when we take the quote above and add more context around it:
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)
When we ask for our sins to be forgiven through the name of Jesus, we are made righteous through Him. And when we are righteous, our prayers are powerful and effective. So, with boldness we can pray for ourselves, our families, and our nation. I took Nehemiah’s prayer and made modifications to remove specifics to Israel, etc. Join me in praying this from the righteous position of a sinner saved by grace through the work of Jesus Christ:
O Lord, God of heaven, You are the great and awesome God who keeps His Covenant of unfailing love with those who love Him and obey His commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people.
I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us.
You said, ‘If you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then I will bring you back to me for the honor of My Name.’
Lord, please turn myself, my family, and the people of this nation back to you. Let us remember your faithfulness so you can restore our hope and future, and we can glorify You.
In the name of your precious son Jesus I pray. Amen.
#LoveMatters