Stirred by His Spirit
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!” Nehemiah 1:5-6
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When Nehemiah, cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, heard of the suffering and disgrace of the Jews in Jerusalem, the burned-down gates and its desecrated walls, he mourned for days, fasting and crying out to God. The Lord had purposed to rebuild the walls, but it was Nehemiah he stirred to stand in the gap. Totally identifying with his people’s sin and need, he was drawn to repentance and intercession—and then he put feet to his prayers as he returned to Jerusalem to lead the rebuilding effort. We, too, can be part of God’s rebuilding effort. We can be part of God’s answer to the suffering and evils of this world as we enter into prayer for what God has impressed on us and then are willing to be part of the restoration. What situation in the community, city, or nation grieves your heart? That grief may be God’s way of stirring you, just as he did Nehemiah, to join in fulfilling his purposes on the earth.
Prayers:
OH, GOD, I want my heart to be gripped by the things that grip your heart for your purposes and your people. Make me sensitive to the stirring of your Spirit and the sound of your voice! And when I have sought your will and direction, make me joyfully eager to participate in your plan.
Quotes:
GOD WANTS TO COME TO HIS WORLD, BUT HE WANTS TO COME TO IT THROUGH MAN. THIS IS THE MYSTERY OF OUR EXISTENCE, THE SUPERHUMAN CHANCE OF MANKIND.
Martin Buber (1878–1965)
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Nehemiah 1:1–3:14; 1 Corinthians 7:1-24; Psalm 31:19-24 and Proverbs 21:4.
