Daily Teaching
Nehemiah 1:5 — Meaning & Reflection
“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,”
Prayer finds its footing in who God is before it finds words for what we need.
Background
While serving in the Persian royal court at Shushan, Nehemiah hears that Jerusalem’s walls are broken down and its people are in distress. He mourns and fasts, then begins a prayer that includes confession and a request for favor.
Teaching
Nehemiah begins with God's greatness and covenant faithfulness rather than the size of Jerusalem's troubles. The great and awesome God inspires reverence, not suspicion of cruelty. This holy God keeps his covenant of love. Remembering his character gives us courage to bring both our failures and our needs before him.
Reflect
- How might remembering God’s character change the way I pray about my concerns?
- Where do I need to approach God with both reverence and trust?
Prayer
Great and merciful God, I come before you with reverence and hope. Help me trust your faithfulness as I bring you my needs and confess my sins. Amen.