Rebuilding Broken Walls
Nov 18, 2025
Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love...
Nehemiah 1:5-11 (NIV)
Rebuilding Broken Walls:
Lessons from Nehemiah's Prayer
News of Jerusalem’s broken walls reached Nehemiah like a blow to the heart. Though living in the safety of the Persian palace, he couldn’t ignore the suffering of his people or the ruins of their homeland. Before he made any plans, he knelt in prayer. In Nehemiah 1:5–11, we witness a prayer marked by worship, repentance, and bold intercession—one that can shape how we pray when we long to see restoration.
Nehemiah begins by anchoring his prayer in who God is: “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.” He doesn’t rush into his request. He lingers in reverence, lifting his eyes above the ruins to the God who never changes. This posture of awe reminds us that even when our circumstances are broken, our God remains faithful and strong.
But Nehemiah doesn’t stay distant or formal. He quickly moves to confession: “We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.” Though he wasn’t personally responsible for the nation’s downfall, Nehemiah identifies with his people’s sin. His humility is striking—and deeply instructive. He teaches us that effective prayer often begins not with pointing fingers, but with examining our own hearts and seeking mercy.
From there, his prayer grows bolder. Nehemiah reminds God of His covenant—of promises made to Moses and to His people: “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses…” This isn’t an attempt to manipulate God, but to stand on the solid ground of His Word. Nehemiah believes that God is not only able to restore, but willing—if His people will return to Him.
Nehemiah’s prayer shows us a pattern for powerful intercession:
• Start with worship, not worry. Nehemiah begins by focusing on God’s greatness, not the ruins. When we begin in worship, our perspective shifts from despair to hope—and we remember who holds the power to restore.
• Confession opens the door to healing. Rather than placing blame, Nehemiah takes responsibility. Effective prayer requires humility and a willingness to be personally transformed before asking God to change what’s around us.
• Bold prayer stands on God’s promises. Nehemiah doesn’t beg blindly—he prays with confidence in what God has already said. Praying Scripture doesn’t remind God of what He’s forgotten—it reminds us of what He has promised.
This prayer stirs us to ask: What breaks our hearts today? And are we willing to respond the way Nehemiah did—not with despair or distance, but with prayer that invites God to rebuild what’s been lost?
When the world feels fractured or when our own lives carry the weight of regret, Nehemiah’s prayer points the way forward: Begin with reverence. Confess with honesty. Intercede with faith. God delights in rebuilding what we bring to Him in humility and hope.
Lessons from Nehemiah's Prayer
News of Jerusalem’s broken walls reached Nehemiah like a blow to the heart. Though living in the safety of the Persian palace, he couldn’t ignore the suffering of his people or the ruins of their homeland. Before he made any plans, he knelt in prayer. In Nehemiah 1:5–11, we witness a prayer marked by worship, repentance, and bold intercession—one that can shape how we pray when we long to see restoration.
Nehemiah begins by anchoring his prayer in who God is: “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.” He doesn’t rush into his request. He lingers in reverence, lifting his eyes above the ruins to the God who never changes. This posture of awe reminds us that even when our circumstances are broken, our God remains faithful and strong.
But Nehemiah doesn’t stay distant or formal. He quickly moves to confession: “We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.” Though he wasn’t personally responsible for the nation’s downfall, Nehemiah identifies with his people’s sin. His humility is striking—and deeply instructive. He teaches us that effective prayer often begins not with pointing fingers, but with examining our own hearts and seeking mercy.
From there, his prayer grows bolder. Nehemiah reminds God of His covenant—of promises made to Moses and to His people: “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses…” This isn’t an attempt to manipulate God, but to stand on the solid ground of His Word. Nehemiah believes that God is not only able to restore, but willing—if His people will return to Him.
Nehemiah’s prayer shows us a pattern for powerful intercession:
• Start with worship, not worry. Nehemiah begins by focusing on God’s greatness, not the ruins. When we begin in worship, our perspective shifts from despair to hope—and we remember who holds the power to restore.
• Confession opens the door to healing. Rather than placing blame, Nehemiah takes responsibility. Effective prayer requires humility and a willingness to be personally transformed before asking God to change what’s around us.
• Bold prayer stands on God’s promises. Nehemiah doesn’t beg blindly—he prays with confidence in what God has already said. Praying Scripture doesn’t remind God of what He’s forgotten—it reminds us of what He has promised.
This prayer stirs us to ask: What breaks our hearts today? And are we willing to respond the way Nehemiah did—not with despair or distance, but with prayer that invites God to rebuild what’s been lost?
When the world feels fractured or when our own lives carry the weight of regret, Nehemiah’s prayer points the way forward: Begin with reverence. Confess with honesty. Intercede with faith. God delights in rebuilding what we bring to Him in humility and hope.