In 2013 a tornado ripped through Washington, Illinois, a small suburban farm town just outside of Peoria. It made the news in some places, but since the storm didn’t hit a major city or have mass casualties, it wasn’t a big headline for most people unless they lived there.
Except for my father, that is.
My father grew up in Washington, Illinois. He and his three siblings grew up riding their bikes through its sleepy streets. They were all Panthers at Washington High School. After they grew up, married, and moved away, they returned with their families—including my mom, my little sisters, and me—each Thanksgiving until my grandparents retired and moved north.
“We have to go back,” my dad told my mom. “We have to help them rebuild.” My parents spent a long weekend walking through farm fields and picking up debris, surprised by the ache this natural disaster caused their hearts even though my dad hadn’t lived there in over forty years.
In today’s Scripture reading, Nehemiah was devastated by the crumbling city of Jerusalem. Though it was no longer his home city, his ancestors were buried there. It was part of his history and the history of his people. Its degradation haunted him.
When Nehemiah was granted an audience with King Artaxerxes, the proper protocol would be for him to portray gladness and gratitude. But Nehemiah was no good actor—his face showed what his heart was feeling.
“Why do you look so sad, when you aren’t sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart,” the king said to him in verse 2. Trembling with fear, Nehemiah responded with the truth: his home city lay in ruins, and he could have no peace until it was restored.
“If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, send me to Judah and to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I may rebuild it” (Nehemiah 2:5). The king granted Nehemiah’s request, and his journey into the rebuilding of this pivotal city—the story of the book of Nehemiah—began in earnest.
Pause today and approach your own heart with curiosity. What aches lie within it? What longing do you feel? Perhaps you long for a relationship to be set right, a neighborhood to flourish, or to walk more fully in the way of the Lord. I often find myself aching for one or another of my children to understand the depths of God’s love for them, especially when they’re going through a difficult season.
What petition would you lay not before King Artaxerxes, but King Jesus today? Nehemiah reminds us that God is present to us in our deepest desires and that He welcomes our requests, whatever they might be.
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163 thoughts on "Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem"
My ache is for my husband to have no more pain and be able to live fully and seek the Lord for help.
The burden on Nehemiah’s heart is profound. It drives him to action submitted to God and the Lord makes his path favourable. It’s a beautiful reminder that what burdens us is captured by the Lord’s desire to uplift and resolve.
My hearts desire is to raise my children to know that God loves them and will always be with them.
I pray to know my purpose and to how to be a positive force in these difficult times
My aches include healing my heart after my husband passed away a few months ago and that my children’s’ hearts will soften in their pain from his passing
Thankful for a God who is present to us in our deepest desires!
Thankful for the reminder that there is no fear in bringing petitions to the Lord. He knows our hearts. In this place, I lay my petition to reconcile my marriage, the lord would quench the heart of my son while in prison, and that my twins would repent and turn hearts toward the only one that can save them. That I myself holding on to sadness and hurt turn to the author and finisher of my faith and lay it all at foot of cross
This feels selfish.. but I really want to live in an apartment or home and be able to host people.. to have bible studies or host where people can come with problems and leave hopeful
I long for a deeper relationship with Jesus.
✝️thankful for this today
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I long for a relationship to be made right. I will bring it before King Jesus. He has made miracles happen, and I pray that he sets my heart right to rebuild and not look back.
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My prayer is that God strengthen my family in its commitment to serve him
Happy Tuesday! Praying for you ladies.
I have left my home and moved to a city and state not friendly to the work I do in a Christian nonprofit. My heart aches for this community and countless lost souls. At many times, it feels like a different country. I pray God reaches this community for a might revival!
I petition my disability financial break through and spiritual growth and maturity in Jesus Christ Amen and Amen
I’m often not willing to be honest with the Lord or even with others about what I’m really feeling. This passage reminds me that God sees even the things / feelings I try to hide. He is ever aware of my deepest concerns.
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I long to see Jesus more clearly, know him more deeper, and uncover the hidden riches found in His Word. I also long to see revival in my city and community.
I would ask for my family to dive deep into the word like I do daily. I pray that they are all saved.
That my family will be reconciled.
I would ask for a happy and healed relationship with my husband and children
I would ask for the words and actions I need for restoration
The honesty he showed! Faking it to the king wouldn’t have gotten him anywhere. Sometimes we just have to be true!
“What do you want?” Such a simple question. And yet it requires us to acknowledge the cries of our heart. I’m so grateful that we have a King who asks us this question and cares about what we care about.
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There is just so much in today scripture and devotional. Nehemiah’s example of righteousness, seeking the Lord, His thoughtfulness in prayer….such an example.
My longing? To walk closer with the Lord. To see loved ones know/come back to Jesus. To get back so much of my life that withered away during my life altering health crisis. To see the Lord move in a mighty way in our church family. For the Lord to move and work in seemingly impossible situations. So many things in this broken, evil world that I lay at the feet of Jesus.
Heavenly Father, you are the Almighty, King of Kings, Lord or Lord’s. Faithful, Provider, Protector, Healer, Restorer. Savior. More of you, less of me, Jesus. Amen
Amen Wendy
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This study is timely as I have recently separated from my husband of 26 years. I feel like my life lies in ruins just as the walls in Jerusalem did in Nehemiah. I am praying for rebuilding and renewal in my life, as I navigate this new, hard chapter of mine and my son’s life.
Praying for you during this difficult time, dear sister! God is still working in your life! ❤️
Stacee, I am so sorry to hear this. It is a truly difficult and barren place to be in. I am a recently divorced woman (June). I was married 22 years and have 3 children, 12, 17 and 19. It was difficult and is still difficult. But God, has Answered prayers in beautiful ways.
Praying for you and your son…
Praying for you Stacee
I need to pray more about this. I feel there is something more I need to be doing but don’t know what it is. Is it how I can serve the Lord through my work? Is it something I can amplify that I’m already doing? Do I need to take an entirely new journey? Im a new mother and going back to work soon and of course anxious about it. I want to ensure my going back to work serves Him the best way possible. Otherwise, is it worth not being with my kids and serving my family deeper?
Praying for guidance for you!
I would lay down a longing to draw closer to the Lord. To truly show Christ with every breath I take and every action I make. That my kiddos see Him in me, and run to Him. That my husband sees that Christ can unburden him, he can lay it all at His feet. (He js gettjng there, praise God.) Lord Jesus, I just pray I continue to seek you in all I am. I deny my flesh and this world and seek YOU. Praying constantly for this hurt world and hurt people, that we all can find relief at the feet if Jesus.
I would lay at God’s feet a longing to be filled with God‘s Word. There is such an emptiness inside my heart. My heart aches and longs for fulfillment, that only God can give.
I would lay at the King’s feet a longing to draw even closer walk with God as I am working on a personal heart reformation. I would also lay at his feet the hope that I can be a model for my children as they grow in their own faith walks. These have been my prayers these last several months.
I am loving how this corresponds with the Book of Esther and her request. No doubt the two of them felt nervous approaching the King with their request. Many times I feel the same when I approach King Jesus. But I don’t have to feel this way. May we have courage when we approach the Throne of Jesus knowing that He will not turn us away.
Praying for our world to rebuild
This really stirred my heart today and pushed me to evaluate where rebuilding needs to happen in my life, or where I can help facilitate it. That Nehemiah was prompted to come before the king and lay bare all that was weighing on his heart, knowing that the Lord facilitated that. I appreciated the reminder to not ignore those pushes from God.
Praying for everyone’s needs
Thank you to all who are praying for my friend, Debbie’s family.
One thing that struck me about Nehemiah was the specificity of his prayers. He prayed for the king’s favor for each thing he requested. He didn’t just pray a blessing over his visit with the king, but talked to God about each step of the request. I can learn from that. God cares about every step.
How awesome for the tornado in Washington to be included!! I live in Washington, Illinois! We were very fortunate to not be a direct hit of the path, but many friends of mine and my kids were. I would have never thought of the connection from Nehemiah, but that really hit true!! God is so good in His protection and power!! The scars still remain here, but our God is greater and we did recover!!
Small world for sure, I live about an hour away from Washington, IL and my sister was at her church in Washington that day during the tornado!
The thing stood out in the story for me was the close relationship between Nehemiah and the King that he served. The King recognized his sadness which is quite considerate since servants’ feelings are usually ignored. But here, there is a close relationship. How did Nehemiah achieve that? Artaxerxes would not allow just anyone to be so close to him. Nehemiah’s loyalty and integrity must have been proven over time. By keeping his position faithfully, Nehemiah became more than a servant to the king. Nehemiah was not only competent but also prayerful and humble. Before speaking to the king, he fasted and prayed, asking God to “grant him favor in the sight of this man”. There are great leadership lessons in leadership for us. His faithfulness in small things prepares him for big things. Trust is earned over time, because of that trust, the king listened when Nehemiah made a risky request. Another note, prayers and fasting precedes bold action. He did not rush, He sought God’s favor first. He showed courage with respect, his courage didn’t come across as rebellion but as a loyal servant seeking help. Respect preserves relationships, even in disagreement. Effective leaders balance boldness with humility. The final take away, rely on God’s favor above all. I love this so much. Leaders today must remember that real success isn’t only about human skills, experiences, networking, or charisma, but God’s favor. Like Nehemiah, we are called to be faithful, walk in strong integrity, seek God in prayers, act with courage and humility, dare to ask in the right timing, and depend on God’s favor. So wherever you are today, office, schools, public service, ministry, rise up like a Nehemiah from a servant who becomes a builder, a leader with a God size vision. God raises leaders in the most unexpected places. Your faithfulness today can become a breakthrough tomorrow. Be the one who feels the pain, sees the need, seeks God’s guidance, and steps into the gap. May we rise as builders, intercessors, and leaders, men and women who carry God’s heart into every place He has positioned us. Be blessed dear sisters.
Amen, great takeaways Mercy!
Amen! Thank you for these insights!
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Amen. Thank you for this, Mercy
Praying for all of you. I also would like if you guys could pray for me to be able to walk more fully with the Lord as it can be hard at times. This scripture inspired me and I am so grateful to know that we can request things from the Lord no matter what they are. He is always listening to us.
Yes, L N, it is hard sometimes. Where would we be without Him?! Praying God will strengthen your walk and thankful you are here! ❤
Praying for you friend. Don’t let hard times discourage you. Be strong and be courageous.
Praying for your walk with the Lord
Praying for you
Such a good devotional. Prayer, longing, and action.
He Reads Truth was also good for pondering.
“…people in Jerusalem who had survived the Babylonian exile were far away and out of sight, their suffering pierced his heart. It worked its way into his comfortable life and became his suffering.”
How often do we think about the sufferings of others and make it our own?
Sanballat and Tobiah “probably saw Nehemiah as a threat to their power in the region; a work of God often encounters hostility from forces who benefit from the status quo.”
So much power play in the nation and world today. So much hostility. So much divide.
“Both our dreams and our actions must be for others. When God reveals to us His great love for people, He invites us to join him in sharing that love. When we allow the needs of others into our comfortable lives, they turn into a call to take risks for God.”
Yes. The answer is sharing God’s love. God, please help us to love you and to love others. Help us to see You in others. Help us not to get caught up in the power plays of this world or to see some of Your children as enemies. In Jesus name, Amen.
Today’s scriptures hit me really hard. I think one thing I am taking from today is that Nehemiah didn’t just know God, he learned about God and he must have had some strong faith based raising and to have courage in his faith, for his to practice his faith in a pagan nation. The ache that has been in my heart for a long time is not fully understanding the word of God and feeling like I’m not following him. Partly to due me and partly due to being raised in a home that loved the Bible but following the Bible. The longing I feel is a relationship with God, one that I understand and yearn for. I long to understand his word and the promises made so long ago. I long for my children to find God and to become Christ like because they see him in me. I laying down at Jesus feet now and asking him to accept me as his child, embrace me with his love, give me the courage and knowledge to understand and live by his word. I ask him to save me from this wicked world so that I am reborn in the name of the Lord. I asking God to be in my heart and soul.
You are in the right spot Melissa! Reading the Bible daily to me is where the true relationship begins! I was raised as a Christian like you, but the Bible and scripture were not mentioned during the week although we lived with the values. But until in my 40’s did I ever open my Bible myself and read from front to back (did I “get it,” of course not, but it is was the start!”) And then I found SRT and been in the word daily since (about 11 years)!! Now I can say I truly have a deep relationship with the Lord, and walk with him daily! Then you keep stepping out in faith with fasting and prayer, meditation, praise and worship. God will keep laying the path out for you, but 1 step at a time!
I too, long for my child to see the importance of walking with Jesus, not church (although that is important), but a true relationship!
Amen this is good
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9:30 (CST) and 73 comments… wow!
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Thank you, Courtney Ellis, for the illustration in your devotion today. I pray that He rebuilds in someone’s life that once knew Him. She used to “live there”, but she doesn’t anymore. And I pray she doesn’t take my son along for the ride. My youngest has a strong faith (yet his walk is different than mine… his generation doesn’t seem to see the benefit of being in community with other believers). I pray that my son can influence her.
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And where do I need to rebuild? (As you read, think of the emphasis of “I”. It is already capitalized, so I couldn’t emphasize it. The “I” should be capitalized and/or italicized!!)
side note..yes, often I want to capitalize it!
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As I’ve read everyone’s posts, it is so sweet to see that we all have a desire to draw closer to God, have connections with fellow believers, a burden for our world and a burden for the people who haven’t accepted Jesus.
These are the burdens on my heart as well.
Praying for all of you to feel the Lord’s love and presence in your life today!
I ache for the loss all around… My friend who just lost her dad last night, a friend from high school lost her 20 year old son in a motorcycle accident two weeks ago, my sons teammate left their football game Friday for the loss of his aunt who helped raise him, the assassination Wednesday, the school shootings. I literally ache for the pain people are enduring, 5 months in from the loss of my dad I am grateful for the nearness of God and the way he has used it in my life. It has given me a compassion and understanding and the ability to truly be there for people. But I LONG for people to be saved and for Jesus to return and to not have to live with the pain and sin of this world anymore. Come, Jesus, Come!
Praying for your friends families and the other hurt and loss in our world!
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I have crippling anxiety when I drive for more than an hour, especially by myself. My goal is to drive to see my sister by myself in December. Today, I’m driving 2.5 hours to see a friend and 2.5 hours back. I know I can do it and have been praying that God would sustain me.
❤️❤️❤️ You can do it… He will be right there with you, April!
Praying it would be a lovely drive for you. I usually talk to God when I drive.
I love to pray aloud when I drive alone. Talking to God makes the drive less stressful, and it goes quicker. Prayers for a nice trip today.
Praying for you!
I’m so proud of you April and am praying for you today.
I have one sister who walked away from the Lord many years ago and my younger sister who was walking faithfully with Him started a slow drift a few years ago that has lead to an all out “deconstruction.” While I love them dearly, we now have little to nothing in common and it is weird to feel lonely in (what used to be) my close-knit family. I would love your prayers for their hearts to return to the Lord. ❤️
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Praying for your sisters, and for your hurting heart
Just rough notes today, plate overloaded.
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Observant and perceptive king
Pray before speaking or taking action
After prayer, Nehemiah made his request. Once his request was granted, he became brave in his asks – letters of authority to pass through regions, letter of instruction for provision of needed supplies … approved by the king “according to the good hand of my God upon me”
The king gave Nehemiah more than he requested- captains of the army and horsemen went with.
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And another what’s next? ending verse … When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of it, they were deeply disturbed that a man had come to seek the well-being of the children of Israel.
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HRT is great today – except for the ongoing spam comments :(
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How much greater is our King Jesus than any earthly leader?
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He’s My King (written by Adger M Pace, 1936)
Long As I Got King Jesus (I don’t need nobody else) (written by James Cleveland, 1960’s) the live version by Vickie Winans (CeCe SIL) will take you to church
My Jesus (Anne Wilson, written by Wilson, Matthew West, Jeff Pardo)
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VICTORIA E – praise the Lord!!
TERESA DONLEY – I am so sorry to hear about Debbie, and am praying for her family and friends – and yes, it’s painful to goodbye, or until we meet again.
Praying for Debbie’s family
Restoration of Israel to their God, to know their Messiah, to be at peace was what my heart went to in reading these Scriptures. There is much need for revival and restoration in my life, my family, our world In Jesus’ Name!!
I was reminded again as I began to study Nehemiah how God used the ungodly to provide for the rebuilding of the temple, see Ezra 6 and now the walls! How awesome is our God, He provides in ways that are so wonderous, so amazed by His greatness!
I think I have a longing to connect with other believers
Me too! You are in a safe place here!
I connect with other believers here. I look forward to connecting with you, too.
I’m longing for kinship.
Community is important. I’ve found it here. I’m sure you will, too.
Once again, Nehemiah PAUSES first and goes to the Lord before responding. Oh, to go to the Lord before responding, pray- help, guide, in your will, trusting you.
When grief shows on our face, it is palpable. I have many friends that I can tell right away when something is wrong. I know it is God prompting me to not just get into the gossip of it as I would have some time ago, but to point the problem to God, and pray for them. I would have never prayed for the first response, now I do, thank you Lord.
I love that not only was his request granted, but he boldly asked for MORE! God longs to give us MORE, BUT we NEED to simply ask God.
I use the promise that God RESTORES so often in jail ministry. They all have brokenness in their lives and family. But God- restoration comes! He makes graves into gardens, ashes to beauty, bones come alive!! Light penetrates the dark! Our messes become our message, our tests our testimonies, our pain our purpose!! Our story, His Glory!! BUT—-we have to give it to him for restoration. We can’t do it on our own!!
Lord we need restoration in so many areas- our nation, our cities, our neighborhoods, our families, our hearts. Only you Lord. Only You. But when we trust and obey, and say Send Me, let my heart align with yours, and my steps on your path—restoration can begin! Thank you for Jesus, that we have an advocate to talk to and request, that we can pray and petition without ceasing, we can walk in step with and truly rely on. He will never leave us or forsake us.
Yes Rhonda! He wants to give us so much more but how often do we fail to ask?
Amen, Rhonda. I need restoration in my heart ❤️
Praying for restoration in my brother’s life and family today
My time is almost up this morning, bht I will quickly share a few notes.
I live the reminder Kimberly offered about Nehemiah approaching the king only AFTER his heart torn prayer to God.
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Notes by MacArthur mentioned that Esther having been Artexerxes’ stepmother may have influenced him to show compassion for the Jewish people. I want to look more into that.
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Repairing the gate, apparently was like us repairing city hall or the court house, our places of doing business.
MacArthur noted that without the gates, the city had no social or business life, no gathering place. I had just assumed that repairing the gate was a security issue so I found that note interesting.
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The letters to pass through various areas were necessary similar to our border crossing laws.
Letter to access wood made me think of our national forests. It is permissible to collect firewood only if you have obtained a permit prior to gathering the wood.
Nehemiah, through his prayer and God’s favor, and the king’s approval, had all he needed to move forward. The king even sent a protective envoy with him! I think of the unseen protection God had already put in place!
All because Nehemiah had a heart to serve, a prayer, and the hope of the One True God.
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Gotta run for now!
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Oh yes, I forgot about the envoy of protection, that the Lord supplies us with protection, His and angels assigned to us! Can we imagine the angels that are protecting us and going with us?!!
I want to walk more fully in the Lord, however, I want my current relationship to continue. I cannot have both unfortunately. My relationship favor sins because he’s into the world. I want to experience love and make my own family so bad. But I got to put God first.
Oh Natasha, the Lord is giving you the nudge today. Us older folks would say you would be very wise to leave now before a world of hurts and troubles without the Lord in the middle of a relationship! He will give you strength to move forward on your own and has someone better for you!
Can I recommend you listen to Charlotte Gamble’s message titled Leading your leaving. It is so good! Prayers for you!
Natasha, It is always best to listen to God’s voice!
Years ago, I was engaged to the love of my life. We were perfectly suited for each other. We attended church together and had deep conversations about the sermon afterwards. One New Year’s Eve, as we were preparing for a NYE party, he told me he was going to write a book. When I asked what it would be about, he said, “ That Jesus isn’t Gods son.” I did not want to take time to internalize that statement, but God would not let me forget it. A few weeks later, I was on the landing going upstairs. The sun was streaming in the window. God very clearly told me, “If you marry him, you have to submit”. My response was, “But Lord, he doesn’t love you.” . Again, he said, if you marry him, you have to submit.” I argued back, and he said it a 3rd time. ( very clearly, but in my head). During that same time, the song, “I will walk through the valley if you want me to” was playing at least hourly on the radio. It convicted me each and every time. By July, I finally surrendered. We broke up. I had divorced prior to meeting “The one.” I had started college (with 2 young kids) & was working 3 jobs. My long term goals was to teach. When we broke I P that July, I had exactly one year of college under my belt. One of my “jobs” was consulting & accounting. A client suggested that I teach accounting or computers. I explained that I didn’t have a degree yet, to which she responded, that you don’t necessarily need a degree to teach (trades), you need experience in the field. I applied for a job at the adult school, and less than a month after being obedient, I was teaching without a degree. After allowing a few years for my heart to heal, I did meet an amazing man who is more perfectly suited for me. We have been mostly happily married for 17.5 years. God gave me the ability to finish my degree BA, MA, and Ed.S. And earn three credentials. He also threw in a wrench by removing me ( years later) from my dream job, administrator/counselor at a local alternative Ed shigh school, and giving me the heart, support, and ability to write a charter petition to start a charter school, which is currently in its 15th year. I wholeheartedly give God all of the credit. I believe he blessed me, because I released something so dear to my heart, and obeyed HIM.
Natasha, my heart goes out to you in how much tension that decision must hold. In college I dated a guy that I spent too long convincing myself had all the potential to know God, when he simply did not know God or have much of an interest to. The Holy Spirit continually nudged me to end the relationship and for a while my stubborn self didn’t want to. But when the relationship did end, I knew there was peace in doing what was right and not settling for the world when God promised so much better. Fast forward 8 years, married to a Godly man who sat next to me at 6am this morning doing his devo too, I can 1000% say God had better in mind. I don’t say that to imply that God “will” reward our hard decisions with marriage at all, that’s never promised. But I can assure you that God will fill every gap the loss of this relationship may create. He is better than anything a man of the world could offer. If you have godly community, lean into them. If you don’t, I’d love to connect and walk with you. I’ll be praying for the Lord to strengthen and embolden you in this hard conviction He’s laid on your heart!
Praying as I read your posts. So grateful, God’s love for us never fails and He redeems and restores
I ache for peace of heart and rest. Life has been in a state of transition and change for so long. I pray God will help me learn to find peace in and through the storm, instead of constantly spending all my energy wishing the storm was over.
Praise Him in the Storm by Casting Crowns may minister to your spirit along with Scripture. I pray God puts a lady in your path who will become a trusted friend/mentor! ❤
Hi Meagan, I have been here. A few months ago during 21 days of prayer I heard God tell me to go to the alter and surrender it all. I did, I surrendered everything that I had been carrying for so so long. I felt so heavy everyday no matter how much I tried to pray and hand it to Him. I get teary almost everyday thinking of the peace God has given me since. Most of the things I laid at the alter that day have not changed, but I have. Hugs!
Great encouragement, Kristy!❤
Nehemiah brings his request before God in Nehemiah 1, before he brings his request to King Artaxerxes, rooted in Gods covenant promises. When our desires align with Gods purposes-God often provides favor, but also resources and opportunity.
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You stir the heart before the hand,
To dream, to build, to take a stand.
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Not for our glory, pride, or gain,
But for Your joy, through loss and pain.
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You call us close, then send us wide—
To walk in faith, with You as guide.
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Restore what only You can do,
And make our hearts first true to You.
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Amen.
Great and pertinent reminder, Kimberly. Exactly what some of us mentioned yesterday about waiting for God’s timing/provision.
Love the poetry, as always! ❤
Amen
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I long to have a closer and deeper relationship with God
Amen.
What aches lie within my heart? What longing do I feel?
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It honestly took a bit of meditating on these questions because I am not in a habit of going to those places. Maybe a defense mechanism from past hurts, but I tend to “leave things to God” to work out in His good time.
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I would say longing to see my family embrace Jesus as savior is the deepest ache. That their eyes would be opened to the reality of their brokenness and the restoration/redemption that is only found in Him.
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TERESA DONLEY – so heartbreaking about your friend, Debbie. Prayers of comfort for you and her family.
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CHERYL BLOW – praying you were able to overcome the tech glitches yesterday.
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VICTORIA E – such great news! Praise be to God.
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AMY HEIKKILA – praising God for your courage and the fruit that is coming from it.
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SANDI – continued prayers for a full recovery for your husband.
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NICOLE TUFTS – praying for your transition back to work.
Kelly, what you said could have been (well, is now- smile) expressed by me. I struggle with reflection questions that ask me to dig into certain topics. I have always struggled as well with understanding why. Your comment just helped clarify that for me!
Why would I want to exhume a hurt that I have entrusted to God and buried out of sight? Thank you for that!!! ❤❤❤
Praying for your family and other requests. Thank you for your prayers. My tech issues are resolved! Thank the Lord!
Restoration in most relationships that are meant to be by His will and the discernment to know what one’s to do so. Give me the wisdom to discern Lord.
This. I miss my friend. She cut off all contact almost a year ago.
Thankyou Kelly,I need to learn to leave things to God
It’s interesting to me that Nehemiah went to the King “overwhelmed with fear”, yet not only did he ask to return to Judah, but he also asked for letter of protection and for materials to be given to him to rebuild. What a picture of going “boldly before the throne”. How much more boldly can we approach the throne of grace, knowing Jesus is at our side!
King Jesus, I lay my daughter Chela before you today. She doesn’t know you YET, but you know her! Today I ask that you would break the chains of self-loathing, negative thinking, fear and comparison. Break the chains of anxiety and depression. Fill her with your Holy Spirit and when she wakes today, I pray for your light and love to overcome her heart and mind. Amen!
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Amen ❤
I pray this for my son as well. Thank you for your words in prayer
Karen – what is your son’s name? I will pray for him as well!
Don’t forget my Michael :)
Praying for Michael!
Thanks, Tami for this prayer. I am praying it for my oldest son, Justin. ❤️
Praying for Chele
Praying for Chela to come to know Jesus
Amen❤️
Amen ❤️
Amen
and each week we fell into step a little easier than the prior week. I also needed the adult interaction and it made me treasure the time I was at home with him even more. Prayers!
COURTNEY ELLIS,you know, places that have held our hearts and filled it with joy abundant, and happiness, and great memories, hold a truly special place in our hearts! No matter how far we go away from or roam!
It is oftentimes a place we hanker for!
I can absolutely see and feel for Nehemiahs heart .
When my grandma passed away some 35 years ago, my response to the phone call informing me of her passing was..” …but she cant be, she was supposed to wait for me to cone home..!” I still ache for her! I suffered mentally for over 6 months in that sorrow, I always believed she’d be there.. waiting for me to come home.
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Well done Nehemiah for following his heart and doing the hard thing of approaching the king, who clearly knew him well enough to know his heart hurt… Wow!
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Isn’t thst just like Jesus, the One who gave and continues to give so we would be healed, safe, protected, heard, restored, restored and restored some more!
He allows the grace to weep, cry, combat hope-less-ness, even in some cases be angered..
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BUT GOD..
He also gives us the Hope that when all is said and done, He and He alone is the One who hears our deepest heart cries and desires, and it is HE who holds and comforts us, responds to us and walks with us throughit all in His grace and love covered in the Hope of Christ Jesus…
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BUT GOD.
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Amen.
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Happy Tuesday my dears..Be blessed, whatever your day looks like..♥️
Me too, Tina. I had the same experience with the passing of my Grandmother many, many years ago and also a few years ago, the passing of my Mother. Not having the chance or ability to get back home in time … All because I live in a different country… the regret of this will be with me my entire life, even though circumstances didn’t allow me to make the journey. Thank you as always for sharing. God bless you and God bless all She’s and prayers for all. This is an amazing uplifting community that She Reads Truth has allowed us to be joined together.
Again for total healing and restoration for my husband. But more importantly that God would restore our nation, and that we would turn our hearts to and back to God.
❤
Praying
I’m praying for your husband to be healed
Thankyou Teresa
What aches to be reconciled? The relationship with my parents. My father has been ill for many years and it has consumed their world. It has damaged relationships, caused the loss of a job, and change their perspective of daily life. I don’t pretend that what they are experiencing is difficult. It absolutely is! But it has become an all consuming experience for them and they are struggling to remember God’s promises and the joy that has come.
I will pray for your parents.
That’s sounds difficult Erin. I have just prayed for you all.
Praying for your parents
Praying for your parents, and for you
Prayer request. That my husband would get his appetite back,thats the last lingering symptom of corn allergy elimination . Thankyou
Prayed!
Praying for your husband
Praying!
Praying for your husband to get his appetite back
I love this question. What aches in my heart to be reconciled? I believe right now it’s finding how I can use my work to glorify the Lord. Coming off maternity leave in a couple weeks is going to be difficult but if I feel and see that calling, I believe the Lord will get me through the separation about to happen.
Prayers mama! It’s no easy feat to return to work. After my first son was born and I was returning to work, someone told me to think not of something coming to an end, but of a new routine. I found how fun it was to watch him grow
Praying for you!
‘In that day ‘I will restore David’s fallen shelter – I will repair its broken walls and restore its ruins – and will rebuild it as it used to be’’(Amos 9 v 11).
Father, king Jesus, thank you that you are in the business of restoration.
I’d love to see restoration in the life of my mum. She is so broken, and sometimes,the darkness consumes her. Oh Lord, please break every stronghold over her. You know what they are. Please, God, restore her; may she know that she is your beloved daughter.
I thank God for this community of sisters around the world – God bless you all.
Joining you in prayer
I pray the same for my daughter! I will also pray for your mother!
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Praying!
❤️