“The Power of a Praying Church”
Nehemiah 1:5-11 - Pastor Jimmy Dodd
January 26, 2020

Why is prayer so important:

Prayer is a recognition that I can’t fix the world.
Prayer quiets my heart.
Prayer activates my faith .
Prayer gives purpose & direction.

The Six Marks of a Praying People

Nehemiah 1:5-11

1. A praying church confirms the Lord’s position, power and promises.

Nehemiah 1:5-6a, 5 Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, 6 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.

You’re Great= God’s Position

You’re Awesome= God’s Power

You keep Your Covenant of Love= God’s Promises

2. A praying church confess individual and corporate sins before the Lord.

Nehemiah 1:6a-7, 6 I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

Ps. 79:8-10, ⁸Do not hold against us the sins of past generations; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need.

⁹Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake. ¹⁰Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”

3. A praying church claims the promises of God.

Nehemiah 1:8-9, 8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’

7,464 promises in God’s Word

Matt 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

John 16:24 Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

Hebrews 13:5 Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.

Matt 28:20 I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Nehemiah 1:10, They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.

How we pray when Praying Kingdom Prayers

With Restlessness.
With Expectation.
With Meekness.
With Hope.
With Confidence.

5. A praying church commits to being a part of the solution.

Nehemiah 1:11

O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king.

6. A praying church celebrates Jesus as their great hope.

Our commission: To grow in grace astonishment.

Worship Experience Journey Church International

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