Nehemiah: Vision, Leadership and Togetherness
Sunday, September 18th
Summit View Church: Felida Campus
Summit View Church: Felida Campus
"The Need: Human
Flourishing and Prayer"
(Nehemiah 1:1-12)
What are you looking forward to as we begin this study on the book of Nehemiah as a church?
Have you ever read or studied Nehemiah before? If so, what did God teach you?
Read Nehemiah chapter 1 and answer the following questions:
Notice that Nehemiah (led by the Holy Spirit) is writing in a first-person active narrative. Why is understanding the genre of Nehemiah important? How can journaling be a healthy spiritual discipline? What advantages might a Christian find by taking time to journal?
What does Nehemiah’s emotional reaction to the news of Jerusalem’s destruction reveal about his character? What does his reaction show about his love for the Lord and his concern for God’s people? It has been said that the key to developing passion is to have a burden born out of awareness fueled by emotion, shaped in prayer, embraced by confession and addressed by God’s promises. Why is each one of these steps so important? How do you see Nehemiah taking each of these steps? What burdens has God put on your heart?
Nehemiah goes to God in prayer. What do you notice about Nehemiah’s prayer (order, context, structure)?
Nehemiah begins his prayer with adoration, calling God the Father “the great and awesome God who keeps covenant…with those who love him.” What is the importance of adoration in prayer? Why does Nehemiah start with adoration? How do you practice adoration in your prayer life and how does it shape your emotions?
Nehemiah confesses his own sin and the sin of his people in prayer. Why is confession so important? How do you practice confession with God and with other trusted people in your life?
Nehemiah specifically asks God for opportunity and favor with the king. What are you asking God for specifically?
