Being Stirred by the Spirit (May 16)
In ancient times, a city was only as secure as its walls. In the case of Jerusalem, the temple stands in glistening splendour but the walls lie in ruin. Enter Nehemiah, cupbearer to the king of Persia and God’s choice to rebuild the city defenses. Armed with a burden and a blueprint, Nehemiah shares his request with the king & receives even more than he asked for!
Lord, we are Open to Your Spirit: I asked about the Jews who had returned from captivity and about how things were in Jerusalem. They said: Things are not well. They’re in great trouble & disgrace. The walls of Jerusalem has been torn down and the gates have been destroyed by fire. When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact for days I mourned, fasted & prayed I said: O Lord… Look down and see me praying night and day for Your people (Nehemiah 1:1-6).
Lord, like Nehemiah, who believed
in God’s plan for Jerusalem yet
heard the city still lay in ruins, we’re
distraught for God-given dreams
had been reduced to rubble.
But learning from Nehemiah, we
don’t have to understand what
You are doing in order to trust You.
And we don’t have to hear details
to know we have heard You. Amen.
Lord, we realise that when we or our loved ones are in trouble, we tend to fill prayers with plans that we want You to put into action. Learning from Nehemiah, we claim upon Your promises, imploring You to do what You have pledged to do in caring for Your very own. And thank You that the basis for deliverance is purely Your grace and undeserved favour. Amen.
Lord, sometimes my heart is
gripped by the things that grip
Your heart for Your purposes.
Make me Lord to be sensitive
to the Stirring of Your Spirit and
the sound of Your voice. And
when I have sought Your Will
and direction, make me joyfully
eager to participate in Your plan.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.