The God Who Hears
In Nehemiah chapter 1, we discover a profound truth about the foundation of effective action: prayer must come before planning. Nehemiah, a man known for his strategic brilliance and tactical execution, teaches us that even the most capable leaders must first be people of prayer. This message confronts our natural tendency to rush into problem-solving mode, reminding us that our greatest strengths can become weaknesses when we bypass the throne of grace. Nehemiah's opening prayer models a pattern we desperately need: acknowledging who God is—the great and awesome sovereign who rules from heaven yet bends down to hear His children. We then remember who we are—sinners in need of grace, standing in solidarity with God's people past and present. This honest confession positions us to claim God's promises, rehearse His faithfulness, and recognize His providence already at work in our circumstances. The stunning reality is that God has been orchestrating events in eternity past to answer prayers we haven't even prayed yet. Nehemiah's position as cupbearer to the Persian king wasn't coincidence; it was divine preparation. This should transform how we approach our burdens and uncertainties, knowing that the God who positioned Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon is moving heaven and earth for our good and His glory right now.
Chapter 1: Introduction: Prayer Before Planning - 0:00 - 7:00
We are introduced to Nehemiah as a man who prayed first before making plans, challenging us to examine whether we plan then pray or pray then plan.
Chapter 2: Prayer Based on Who God Is and Who We Are - 7:00 - 14:00
Nehemiah's prayer begins by acknowledging God's greatness and awesomeness while confessing the sins of his people and himself, demonstrating the proper foundation for approaching God.
Chapter 3: Prayer Based on God's Promises and Past Actions - 14:00 - 21:00
Nehemiah grounds his prayer in God's covenant promises through Moses and reminds God of His past redemption of Israel from Egypt.
Chapter 4: Prayer Based on God's Present Work and Providence - 21:00 - 28:00
Nehemiah asks God to grant him favor before the king of Persia, revealing that God has already positioned him as cupbearer to prepare the way for answered prayer.
Chapter 5: Application: Trusting God Who Hears and Answers - 28:00 - 35:00
We are called to trust implicitly in God's sovereignty, reject sin, and bring all our burdens to Him in prayer, knowing He hears and answers in our best interest.