Praying on the Promises
Nehemiah 1:5-11

Lesson 2

background notes

doctrinal / teaching points

1. Biblical praying has definite characteristics.
   1. Worship
   2. Confession
   3. Taking God at His word
   4. Making requests in line with the Word of God

practical application

1. Let’s pray more “Nehemiah-type” prayers.

questions

1. Approximately how far was it from Susa, the capital of Babylon, to Jerusalem, the capital of Judah?
2. What were Nehemiah’s two main concerns?
3. Why did Nehemiah pray about talking to King Artaxerxes?
4. Name another Bible person who prayed about making a request to a king.
5. List four characteristics of biblical praying.
6. What did it mean to Nehemiah to pray on the promises of God? Compare Deuteronomy 30:8-10 with Nehemiah 1:9.
7. How did Nehemiah pray in line with God’s word?

answers

1. It was a good 1,000 miles of travel between Susa and Jerusalem.
2. He was concerned for the physical walls of Jerusalem and for the spiritual walls of his people, the Jews.
3. No one dared burst into the presence of a Persian king, not even one in a prominent position. Such action would be taken at the risk of death. He prayed that God would grant him mercy in the sight of the king.
4. Esther asked the Jews to fast with her, before she sought an audience with the king (Esther 4:16).
5. Biblical praying is characterized by
   1. worship of God
   2. confession of sin
   3. taking God at His Word
   4. making requests in line with the Word of God.
6. Nehemiah quoted Scripture (Deuteronomy 30:8-10), where God promised that Jews would not be made a laughingstock or reproach if they returned to their homeland.
7. It was God’s will for Israel to have a strong city, one that could defend itself from the enemy.

discuss/consider

1. How can the points in this lesson help Christians build a deeper prayer life? Review the biblical characteristics of prayer.
2. Are you looking at circumstances from God’s point of view? Discuss ways to do this in difficult situations.
3. Praying in line with God’s Word places controls on our requests. Explain this concept.

challenge

Define worship. Consider ways to deepen your worship.

memorize

• “O Lord, I pray , let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant.” Nehemiah 1:11