“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven”. (Nehemiah 1.4)

This is a dramatic story of a man who loved his people with all his heart. However, it had become torn because  of Jerusalem’s circumstances, the Holy city of God.

He could feel all the misery, poverty, abandonment and humiliation. The suffering was even greater  when he thought of his own situation, being able to enjoy so much comfort, riches and honors at court, while his home country raged with pain.

He walked among the debris and stumbled his way through the ruins. The city was decomposing. The walls were being brought down and gates burned with fire – A clear sign left by the opponents. Nehemiah buried his face between his hands. His body trembled. His soul groaned before God. He shed copious tears, asking the Almighty God for aid.

There were days and nights of battle. Fasting and prayer that moved heaven and earth in favor of the city, the helpless elders and young people still prisoners in a distant country.

He cried out for the mercies of God, “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments," (Vs.5). "  let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. (Vs.6)

The intercessor confessed the sins of his people; pleaded to God for forgiveness for all his people’s doings, for their forgetfulness, omission and deliberate insults against the Lord.

God heard the prayer of His servant.

He assured him help and deliverance.

He opened the doors and the heart of a wicked ruler who was many miles away from Jerusalem.

Cry out to the Lord. Seek His face.

That is the only way to have our wounds healed. You Will then see how God can move the hearts,  even the ones of our oppressors.

Deliverance comes from the Lord.

Receive God's blessing.

 Pr. Reuel Pereira Feitosa

Trad.Renata Feitosa