As you look at the world, our nation, our community, and your own circles, there are likely concerns that weigh heavy on our hearts and places where we feel deep grief for the way that things are. What do we do when we feel burdened by the world? How can prayer and action go hand in hand? Nehemiah gives us a blueprint of prayer that leads to action in Nehemiah chapter 1. He responds to news that his people were in strife and despair by weeping, praying, and acting.
This prayer was more than asking for God’s favour, it was the space where deep concern over the state of the world was focused, surrendered, and used by God to move into action. Nehemiah was not a passive observer to the strife of Israel, and he wasn’t a passive observer to the solution. He partnered with God to address not only the physical task of rebuilding, but also the deeper tasks of addressing vulnerability and rebuilding safety.
