When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, “O LORD, God of heaven, 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 Israel. 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 through your servant Moses. [Nehemiah 1.4-7]
It stands out to me today that Nehemiah prayed for his people, his nation. It would seem that Nehemiah prayed on a schedule for Israel.
Nehemiah's prayer included what I have grown to understand is the most important element of prayer: repentance. Nehemiah took it upon himself to repent for his entire nation.
Oh that God would raise up more who would intercede for their respective nations in this way!
Father, may I be found pleasing You in faithful repentance for myself, my family, and my nation.
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