The message was brought by Rev. Tim Powers on May 17, 2026. The scripture background is Nehemiah 1.
A National Day of Prayer. Do we really know how to pray anymore? I love this nation. Have you ever wondered why we’re facing the things we are? We’re not praying as we should. Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the king, a trusted position of danger and power. He got a burden for the city of Jerusalem. The walls needed to be rebuilt. Let’s break this chapter down.
In verses 1-3 we see the conditions that broke Nehemiah. He was born in captivity, so he had never been to his home country. It was broken. He was told the remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. The walls represented stability. We’ve seen a rapid downhill turn in America, especially since 9/11. We built walls and they should have kept the bad out and let the good in. We’ve opened way too much, letting in far too much. Pride in a person is rampant everywhere. You can’t deal with this type of person easily. It’s not pornography and addiction that are primarily bringing us down. It’s people in the house of God not living as they should. The people in Nehemiah’s day understood the condition of Jerusalem. We must recognize our problems. We have compromised way too much. People need to see Jesus in us. We need to recognize the spiritual decline more than anything else. Broken homes. Moral values tossed out the window. The message on sin weakened. Thus we see the spiritual condition and neglect in the house of God. Jerusalem laid in ruins 70 years because of the sins of the people.
In verse 4 we see the compassion that moved Nehemiah. He said when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted. He heard the news, stopped what he was doing, sat down and wept. When is the last time we shed tears for our nation? It’s on the brink of disaster. If we break down and pray God can change things. Let’s pray for someone to be raised up to lead our nation in a godly direction. Nehemiah fasted and prayed. We need to practice this more. Decline and confusion are everywhere. God isn’t looking for a polished prayer. He wants something like Nehemiah prayed. We need people broken and on the altar.
In verse 6 we see the confession that changed Nehemiah. Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned. He didn’t begin with thanksgiving or requests. He began with confession. He didn’t commit this sin that caused the captivity and ruin of the city; he was not even born. His forefathers sinned, yet Nehemiah confessed both I and my father’s house have sinned. He wasn’t responsible, but he identified with it. He acknowledged it and confessed. Biblical prayer says, “I have sinned.” Remember the prayer of the Pharisee and the Publican and how each of them prayed. Who walked away justified? Not the Pharisee! Put the blame where it lies. We must confess sins to God.
In verses 8-10 we see the confidence that sustained Nehemiah. Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses. He reminded God of His word to Moses. This acknowledged he knew the Word; God will acknowledge it too. If we set aside our pride and pray, we acknowledge God and let confession carry us on. He quoted scripture to God who had promised if we turn back to Him, He will bless. Every nation that acknowledges God will be blessed. His prayer was built on the Word. Emotions got him started and he went into the Word.
Commitment that followed is seen in verse 11. We see a committed life. There was a task ahead of him as there is for each of us. The Lord will prosper our work, and we will see more people saved. If hearts were changed, abortion, drugs, and alcohol would not be a problem. Prayer is not a Christmas wish list. Nehemiah had a monumental task in rebuilding the walls. We’ve got a lot ahead of our nation. Pray the Lord will prosper the work. God has been training you and me for “such a time as this.” We’re here. Let’s do this. Prayer didn’t replace the commitment; it helped it go forth. Put legs on your prayers. Do what God asks. Don’t just pray. Answer your own prayer by living differently. Show people Jesus!
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 