READ Nehemiah 2
Nehemiah requests the king´s help in rebuilding Jerusalem.

INSIGHT
Nehemiah comes before the king unable to conceal his agitation over the situation in Jerusalem. When we are faced with situations that need change, preparation is vital. We may not be able to do anything about it at the moment, but we can ask ourselves this question: “If it lay within our power to do anything we wanted to do, what would we do?” If we can answer that, then we will recognize opportunity when it knocks, and we can capitalize on it as Nehemiah does.

PRAYER
Praise God that He is concerned about the details of your life and is ready to fulfill your every need:
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,  
But the way of the wicked leads to ruin (Psalm 1:6).

The Lord will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.  
The Lord will protect your coming and going
Both now and forever (Psalm 121:7-8).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Guard your steps
When you go to the house of God.
Better to approach in obedience
Than to offer the sacrifice as fools do,  
For they ignorantly do wrong
(Ecclesiastes 5:1).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation  
For those in Christ Jesus, because the law  
Of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus
Has set you free from the law
Of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Boldness in sharing Christ with others
• The innocent victims in war-torn lands
• Your activities for the day
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
When all has been heard,
The conclusion of the matter is this:
Fear God and keep his commands,
Because this is for all humanity.    
For God will bring every act to judgment,
Including every hidden thing,
Whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).