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