Sermon By Thulane:What Happens When We Pray?
Beloved Congregation.Tonight, I invite you to join me as we explore a pivotal theme in our spiritual journey: What Happens When We Pray? To guide our reflections, let us turn to the book of Nehemiah, chapter 1, verses 4-6:
“As soon as I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days. I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said, ‘O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night…’”
What raw emotion and earnestness! Nehemiah’s prayer is not merely an exercise but it is a heartfelt response to the desperate situation of his people.
Before we dive deeper into Nehemiah’s narrative, let’s first consider the essence of the word prayer. Derived from the Latin word precari, it means “to beg.” In prayer, we approach God with humility, recognizing our dependence on His grace, mercy, and guidance.
The Context of Nehemiah’s Prayer:
Nehemiah’s journey began when his co-,labourer in faith Hanani and others returned from Judah with alarming news. The remnant in Jerusalem was in great trouble and shame. The walls lay in ruins, and the gates were destroyed by fire. This news broke Nehemiah’s heart, compelling him to seek God through fasting and prayer.
As a result of his persistent prayer, Nehemiah found favor with King Artaxerxes, who granted him permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city. But even then, obstacles loomed large. The enemies—Sanballat and Tobiah—mocked and harassed the builders, challenging their efforts. Yet Nehemiah remained undeterred, crying out to God for help, “Hear, our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunts on their own heads…”
What a powerful testament to a life of prayer! Nehemiah faced opposition with courage, anchoring his resolve in prayer rather than giving in to despair.
The Witness of the Faithful:
Nehemiah isn’t alone in his reliance on prayer. Consider these faithful figures:
– Hannah, who in her desperation prayed for a child, pouring out her heart until God answered her with a son, Samuel, whom she dedicated to the Lord.
– Jabez, who boldly called upon God for blessing and protection, received it because he earnestly asked.
– The early church at Antioch was marked by prayer and fasting. As they sought God, the Holy Spirit directed them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for His work.
The Power of Prayer:
Dear friends, these examples illuminate the transformative power of prayer. When we seek God earnestly, we align our hearts with His purpose.
What did our Master, Jesus Christ, teach about prayer? He instructs us in Matthew 6:6:
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
And in Luke 18:1, He encourages us not to lose heart, reminding us that we ought always to pray.
Cultivating a Spirit of Prayer:
Beloved, let us strive to cultivate a fervent prayer life—not merely to ask for our needs but to develop a mindset that transcends our challenges. Prayer should elevate ourcharacter, drawing us closer to Christ, who modeled perfect communion with the Father.
As we seek to deepen our relationship with God, may our prayers become a source of strength, clarity, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Finally, remember that prayer isn’t just a one-way street; it’s a conversation with our Creator. Let us approach Him with boldness, seeking His directives and laying our burdens at His feet.
Thank you for allowing me to share the Word of God with you tonight. May your lives be enriched through a steadfast commitment to prayer. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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