Key Scripture: Nehemiah 9:1-3 “...the people of Israel were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, and with earth on their heads... and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day; for another quarter of it they made confession and worshiped the Lord their God.”

Picture it: Jerusalem, 445 BC. The final wave of exiled Israelites returned to their homeland to rebuild the city wall. Following its completion, they gathered “as one man” (Nehemiah 8:1), and Ezra, the priest and scribe, read from the Book of the Law of God. Day by day—for hours at a time—Ezra, the priests, and the Levites, helped the leaders and the people understand the words declared to them. Pressing their lives up against the truth evoked a worshipful response. It moved them to adoration, acknowledgment of sin, and accountability—before God and each other. [Please stop and read Nehemiah 9.]

The people of Israel approached the throne of grace—together—with humble and contrite hearts. With a loud voice, the Levites start with adoration as they praised “the great, the mighty, and the awesome God” (verse 32). They worshiped Him in prayer as they recounted how He demonstrated His steadfast love and faithfulness toward them—from the moment of Creation to that very day. In response to the truth of who God is and what He had done for them, they expressed genuine grief over their sins and “the iniquities of their fathers.” Only as they ascribed to the Lord the glory due His name, could they see themselves as they are—fickle, faithless, and sinful people. Hebrews 4:12 says, “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit ... and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” With honesty and transparency, they acknowledged the motivations of their hearts. Their godly grief led to repentance, recommitment to obedience, and accountability (verse 38). What an example for us as we seek to love God in prayer!