Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah’s Prayer for His People

1 These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In the month of Chislev, during the twentieth year, I was in the fortress city of Susa.

2 One of my brothers, Hanani, came with some men from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had survived the exile and about what was going on in Jerusalem.

3 They said to me, “The people who survived the exile and are back in the province are going through major trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

Nehemiah’s Prayer

4 When I heard this, I sat down and cried. I mourned for days, fasting and praying to the God of heaven.

5 I said, “LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and shows love to those who love Him and keep His commands,

6 Let Your ear hear and Your eyes see the prayer I am praying before You day and night for Your people Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites have committed against You. Yes, I and my father’s family have sinned.

7 We have acted completely corrupt toward You. We have not obeyed the commands, statutes, and rules You gave through Your servant Moses.

8 Please remember what You told Your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations.

9 But if you return to Me and keep My commands and do them, even if your exiles are scattered to the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen to make My name dwell.’”

10 “They are Your servants and Your people. You redeemed them by Your great power and strong hand.”

11 “LORD, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and Your servants who delight in honoring Your name. Please give success to Your servant today, and make the king show me favor.” At that time, I was the king’s cupbearer.