Nehemiah 9:1-5 – “Prayer and Praise”

INTRO

• The wall is finished.
• Now Nehemiah prepares the people to succeed
• Chapters 8–13 is the preparation of the spiritual people
• A spiritual revival – A Nation/People set apart for God
• Nehemiah continues to encourage REVIVAL within the people.
• We do not need to overthink what brings upon TRUE REVIVAL

They prepared to encounter God – v. 1

• Gathered
  • Assembled
  • We are meant to be TOGETHER
  • Corporate worship (Singing, Praying)
• Fasted
  • Set aside, so they could meet with God
• In sackcloth
• Earth on their heads

They pursued holiness in fear of God – v. 2

• Separated themselves
  • From the ways of the world
  • Contrary to God’s ways
  • FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOLINESS
• Confessed sin
  • Individually
  • Corporately
• Confession and Repentance
  • Acknowledgment OF the sin
  • Sorrow OVER the sin
  • Turning FROM the sin

They positioned themselves to hear from God – v. 3

• Stood
• Read from book of the law
• Quarter of the day
• With expectation
• Confessed after hearing

The voice of God. The Word of God

• Hear
• Believe
• Respond

With a joyful heart they praised God – vv. 4-5

• Scripture – He speaks to us
• Praise – We speak to Him