Praying for Our Nation

Our nation stands at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges. Our leaders are divided, and so too are the people they serve. Common sense, once the bedrock of our discussions, seems to have vanished. In its place, grandstanding and political posturing have taken center stage. Yet, let us be clear: the root of these issues is not politics alone. What we are witnessing is the unveiling of the true character of individuals—of what truly lies beneath the surface. This is a critical moment, not only for our nation but for us as individuals seeking truth and understanding. Let’s look to God’s wisdom for answers.

Nehemiah is a prominent figure in the Bible who flourished in the 5th century BC. He was a Jewish leader who supervised the rebuilding of Jerusalem in the mid-5th century BC after being released from captivity by the Persian king Artaxerxes I. Nehemiah’s timeline includes key events such as his prayer for the exiles in 445 BC, his journey to Jerusalem in 444 BC, and the completion of the wall in 444 BC.

(Nehemiah 1:4-11)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said: ‘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, 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. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 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. They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 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.’”

As the king’s cupbearer, he held a position of significant influence, yet he remained humble and devoted to his people. Upon learning about the deteriorating state of Jerusalem’s walls, Nehemiah was deeply moved and resolved to act. Nehemiah sat down and wept, then fasted and prayed to God, showcasing his profound love and concern for his community. Nehemiah’s story exemplifies leadership, faith, and selflessness. Despite his privileged status, he used his position to serve others, reminding us of the importance of leveraging our opportunities and responsibilities to aid those in need.

Nehemiah’s actions were not limited to prayer and fasting. He took concrete steps to address the situation. He sought permission from the king to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. Upon arrival, he inspected the walls at night to assess the damage and formulate a plan. He then rallied the people of Jerusalem, motivating them to work together to rebuild the walls. Despite facing opposition and threats from surrounding enemies, Nehemiah remained steadfast. He organized the workers, assigning specific wall sections to different families and groups, ensuring the work progressed efficiently. Nehemiah also implemented security measures, such as posting guards to protect the workers from attacks. His leadership and determination were instrumental in rebuilding the walls in just 52 days.

Nehemiah’s willingness to step out of his privileged position to help his people reminds us that true leadership involves humility and a commitment to serving others. In a world where power can often corrupt, Nehemiah’s example encourages us to remain steadfast in our values and use our influence for the greater good.

Nehemiah’s prayer for the exiles, found in Nehemiah 1:4-11, is a profound example of intercessory prayer that reflects his deep faith, humility, and reliance on God. Here are some significant elements of his prayer that we should understand and study. They will work for our nation even today:

• Emotional Response: Nehemiah’s prayer begins with an emotional response: he wept at the news of Jerusalem’s desolation. He weeps, mourns, fasts, and prays, showing his deep concern and love for his people.
• Acknowledgment of God’s Greatness: Nehemiah acknowledges God’s greatness and faithfulness, referring to Him as the “great and awesome God” who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and keep His commandments.
• Confession of Sins: Nehemiah confesses the sins of the Israelites, including his own and his family’s. He admits they have acted wickedly and have not obeyed God’s commands, decrees, and laws.
• Remembrance of God’s Promises: Nehemiah reminds God of His promises to Moses, stating that if the people return to God and obey His commands, He will gather them from exile and bring them to the place God has chosen.
• Petition for Success: Nehemiah asks God to be attentive to his prayer and grant him success by giving him favor in the king’s presence. This shows his reliance on God’s guidance and support for the task ahead.

Responsibilities of Citizenship

The Bible offers various teachings meant to guide the behavior and attitudes of a nation’s citizens. God calls us to both personal responsibility and collective righteousness. Here are some key principles:

Honor and Obey Authorities: Romans 13:1-2 teaches that every person should be subject to governing authorities because God establishes them. This includes honoring rulers and leaders, as they are tasked with maintaining justice and order. While citizens are encouraged to obey laws, they must also remember that these authorities should reflect God’s justice and goodness.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” – Romans 13:1

Seek Justice and Righteousness: The Bible encourages citizens to pursue justice and righteousness against corruption and oppression. Proverbs 21:3 emphasizes that doing what is right and just is more acceptable to God than sacrifice.

“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” – Proverbs 21:3

Love Your Neighbor: The command to love one’s neighbor, found in Matthew 22:39, extends to all people, not just those we agree with or know personally. This foundational principle helps citizens treat one another with respect, compassion, and fairness in all areas of life, including social and political issues.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:39

Promote Peace and Unity: Romans 12:18 encourages believers to live at peace with everyone, as much as it depends on them. In a divided society, citizens are called to actively work towards peace, unity, and reconciliation rather than contributing to discord.

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” – Romans 12:18

Speak Truth and Avoid Falsehood: Proverbs 12:22 reminds citizens to value truthfulness in their speech. In times of division and deceit, upholding integrity, speaking the truth, and avoiding spreading lies or slander is crucial.

“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” – Proverbs 12:22

Pray for Leaders: 1 Timothy 2:1-2 teaches believers to pray for those in authority. Praying for national leaders and their guidance can help citizens contribute to the well-being of their society and foster a heart of humility and compassion.

“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Care for the Vulnerable: The Bible often speaks to citizens’ responsibility to care for the poor, widows, orphans, and marginalized. In both the Old and New Testaments, believers are called to protect society’s vulnerable and show kindness and justice.

“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.” – Psalm 82:3

The Bible teaches citizens to act with integrity, seek peace, pursue justice, and show love and respect for all people while submitting to authority and praying for their leaders. These principles, when practiced, help build a society that reflects God’s heart for justice, mercy, and righteousness.

Repairing our Nation’s Walls

The analysis of repairing a wall is perfect for Nehemiah’s story. What materials would be used to build and/or repair our nation’s wall today? Imagine each block in a wall representing a key attribute that contributes to the strength and stability of a country. Here are some of the most essential blocks:

• God: No nation can prosper nor survive without a reliance upon God. God must be the keystone!
• Governance and Rule of Law: Strong, fair, and transparent governance ensures that laws are upheld and citizens’ rights are protected.
• Economic Stability: A robust economy provides jobs, resources, and opportunities for citizens to thrive.
• Education: High-quality education equips citizens with knowledge and skills, fostering innovation and informed decision-making.
• Healthcare: Accessible and effective healthcare ensures a healthy population, vital for productivity and well-being.
• Infrastructure: Reliable infrastructure, such as transportation, communication, and utilities, supports daily life and economic activities.
• Security and Defense: A strong security apparatus protects the nation from internal and external threats.
• Social Cohesion: Unity and a sense of community among citizens create a stable and harmonious society.
• Environmental Sustainability: Protecting natural resources and addressing ecological challenges ensure long-term survival and quality of life.
• National Pride: Preserving and celebrating our nation’s history and identity.
• Innovation and Technology: Embracing innovation and technological advancements keeps the nation competitive in a globalized world.

Together, these attributes form the foundation of a strong and resilient nation, much like the well-placed blocks Nehemiah used to repair the walls of Jerusalem.

Contemplations

• How can citizens actively pursue justice in a divided society?
  • Idea to Explore: Consider the role of individuals in promoting justice in their communities, especially when the broader society is fragmented.
• What does it mean to uphold justice while working toward reconciliation in a divided nation?
  • Ideas to Explore: Can citizens take practical steps, such as speaking out against injustice, supporting marginalized groups, and advocating for fair policies while maintaining unity and peace?
• What does it look like to “love your neighbor” in a time of political or social division?
  • Idea to Explore: Reflect on how the biblical command to love our neighbor applies when we face deep ideological or social divides. How do empathy, understanding, and dialogue help bridge gaps between people with differing views and foster a more just and peaceful society?