Gracious Father, like Nehemiah, as we scan the needs of our family, friends, and beyond, we see many suffering with trouble and disgrace. Despite their best efforts, many agonize with broken lives, unprotected and experiencing parched and burned-out results. Like us, their only hope is Christ as their Savior and Redeemer. And yet, this simple, true, and powerful answer is so easily ignored in lieu of mad fleshly chases many pursue to attempt to fill their void. Brokenness is all around us.
Break our hearts like Nehemiah experienced. When we view the brokenness around us, engender true grief striking us with such force that we become weak-kneed. Bless us with your compassion, finding its only release through heartfelt weeping. Seeing the destitute experience of those apart from Christ, grip us so deeply that the weeping turns to mourning.
Out of our broken and contrite state, may we cry out to you in fasting and prayer knowing the hope we possess in Christ. With your clarity and love, pick us up and direct us with your marching orders. Open pathways on how we may speak and serve wisely and lead others into a life-giving eternal encounter with the Mighty Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord.
In Christ,
Blessings!
Nehemiah 1:3-4
3 They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.