Take your burden to the Lord

Nehemiah 1 v 5-11
Introduction
Too much prayer story! Do you have a heavy burden bothering you? Would you really like to see something done about it? Nehemiah can help you! He received word of the state of affairs in Jerusalem and he was deeply moved by conditions there, and he went to the Lord with his burden. His prayer is a pattern for handling our burdens
I Focus on God (v5)
A Nehemiah gives us 5 angles on which to focus
1 “Lord”- Yahweh, self existent, immutable God
2 “God of Heaven”- dwells, reigns there and so also on earth
3 “Great God”- Infinite in all perfections, filling all with his presence, exalted above all, MAJESTY
4. “Awesome God” – dreaded by foes, revered by friends
5. “God that keeps his covenant” faithful to his obligation
B We need a fresh view of God
II Concentrate on confession (v 6-7)
Nehemiah details aggravation of Israel’s sins (v7)
It was by a favoured people
They sinned against God
They sinned against specific commandments of God
They sinned against dramatic circumstances- the showing of God’s power etc
Nehemiah identifies himself in that sin (v6)
It is not likely that he was guilty of much
A clear view of God makes us aware of sin
A readiness to face sin is a mark of Spiritual maturity
III Claim your grounds (v 8-11)
A. Notice the things he claimed
1. The names of God
2. The promises of God (v9)
3. Their relationship to God (v10a)
4. The past history of God’s working (v10b)
B. Notice the sincerity of the request
1. Others were united with him
2. The request was urgent
C. God is not dishonoured by reminders of our grounds for prayer
1. It shows that we have learned something
2.It states that we depend on his character
IV. Make your request (v 11)
A. Nehemiah knew what he wanted
1.He had already formulated a plan
2. He wanted God’s blessing on it
3. He had simple means of confirming
B. You need to be specific in your requests
Ask for what you want but in accordance with his will
When you don’t know what you want, pray for clarity
Conclusion
Sharpen your Axe! Nehemiah has a message for you whose hearts are heavily burdened. Take your burden to the Lord in prayer and see these burdens lifted! Commit to practice the pattern of Nehemiah’s prayer until the prayer is answered and the burden is lifted. May you……