Burn Through Prayer

FAITH:
Nehemiah 1:1-2:20

Nehemiah, a Jew displaced by the Babylonian captivity, served in the king's court. When he heard of the decrepit condition of the gates and walls of Jerusalem, he wept and asked the king to send him to rebuild the walls.

When Nehemiah heard bad news, he prayed. After praying, he developed a plan.

Nehemiah 1 is a blend of prayer and action....Why is prayer so important? Here are the four shortest reasons I know.

...Prayer forces me to leave the situation with God; it makes me wait.

Secondly, prayer clears my vision.... When you first face a situation, is it foggy? Prayer will "burn through". Your vision will clear so you can see through God's eyes.

Thirdly, prayer quiets my heart. I cannot worry and pray at the same time....

Fourthly, prayer activates my faith. After praying, I am more prone to trust God....Prayer sets faith on fire.

Don't just fill the margins of your Bible with words and thoughts about ways a leader prays. Do it!....Pray! Prayer was the first major step Nehemiah took in his journey to effective leadership....

...The Lord is the Specialist we need for those uncrossable and impossible experiences. He delights in accomplishing what we cannot pull off. But He awaits our cry. He listens for our request. by Charles Swindoll

Applying it: What was your first response to an unexpected medical bill, a car breakdown, or a layoff at work? Did you respond in anger, by worrying and complaining, or did you first go to God and ask for his help and guidance through the hardship?
Exploring it: Prayer during difficult times--1 Samuel 7:7-9; 1 Kings 17:17-24; Psalm 34:4-7; 61:1-2; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

FAMILY:
Father, We know that the real reason for prayer is first to Praise you, to give you honor and glorify your name. You are truly the King and you have saved your people when we could not save ourselves. We often forget to pray when life's troubles hit us unexpectedly and for this we ask your forgiveness. Even more we ask you to forgive us when we forget to Praise you. We thank you now and worship you and glorify your name forever and ever. In Jesus' name, Amen.

10 THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR
1. Good preaching
2. Friends who say, "please come, I need you" (being needed)
3. Party invitations (being included)
4. A smile of welcome from a child
5. Memories of those who are gone
6. A really good sandwich
7. Sunshine after the rain
8. Having the heart to give (does more for the giver)
9. Hope that comes from Christ
10. Shared laughter

FOOD:
Easy Meatballs

* 1 16-ounce can Ocean Spray(R) Jellied Cranberry Sauce
* 1 12-ounce bottle Heinz(R) Chili Sauce
* 1 2-pound bag frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail-size meatballs

Directions

Combine sauces in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat,
stirring until smooth. Add meatballs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or
until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.

Makes 30 appetizer servings.

Slow cooker Preparation: Place meatballs in a slow cooker. Combine
sauces and pour over meatballs. Cover and cook 4 hours on HIGH.

FUN: