CHANGING NATIONS
Read: Nehemiah 1:4-9
Nehemiah represents his nation in fasting and prayer, asking for forgiveness on behalf of his nation. It does not matter whether he himself is guilty or not. He makes himself one with his people as a representative.
He had heard that his people suffered (Nehemiah 1:2-4). This broke his heart and was reason enough for him to fast.
Which nations are particularly on your heart? Perhaps a nation whose blood flows in your veins? Or is God laying a particular nation on your heart? Perhaps God is burdening your heart with a particular region or people group? What breaks your heart when you hear it?
Nehemiah identifies himself with the sins of his own people. He does not say, "They have sinned," but he confesses the collective guilt and bows down under it.
Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-3
Also, Saint Paul repeatedly urges the Church to pray. For all people, especially for the government and leaders.
Prayer, Get Free & Next Step:
Ask Jesus how you can pray, and how you can ask forgiveness for your country or the country/group that is on your heart. Be inspired by prayers like Nehemiah and Daniel.
Prayer Points
Thank the Lord for allowing you to participate in this year’s 21 days of prayer and fasting.
1 John 1:9 – Confess any known and unknown sins.
Praise the Lord for bringing you and your household into the year 2023.
1 Kings 18:46 – Continue to ask God for special grace and strength to sustain and keep you during this fasting season.
Nehemiah 4:5 – O Lord of heaven, You are great and awesome God who keeps Your covenant with Your people. (praise Him)
Nehemiah 4:6 – O Lord of heaven, answer me regarding my supplications that I have presented before You during this fast. (pray earnestly)
Nehemiah 4:6&11 – Father in Heaven, hear the cry of Your people all over the globe who are partaking in intense fasting and prayers during this season.
Nehemiah 4:7 – Lord, as a nation, we have sinned against You by not obeying Your commands. We ask for Your forgiveness and blessings upon this land. (pray earnestly)
Nehemiah 4:9 – Father as we strive to obey Your commands and live by them, bring us to the place of fulfillment in our lives in Jesus’ name.
1 Tim 2:1 – Father, we stand in the gap and pray for Your divine protection and intervention for all missionaries in the mission field.
1 Tim 2:1 - Father, we stand in the gap and pray for Your divine protection and intervention for the persecuted church. (pray earnestly)
1 Tim 2:2 – Lord we bring our political leaders (municipal, provincial and federal) before the throne. We ask in Jesus’ name that their lives and decisions will be marked by godliness and dignity. (pray earnestly)
Holy Father root out any evil and corruption embedded in our political, judiciary and educational systems. (pray earnestly)
Pray about 4 things you would want God to do for you during this 21-day fast.
Prayer Declaration
If it had not been you, Jehovah Ebenezer, our helper on my side, where would I be? Your grace and mercy brought me through 2022 and now I have seen 2023. Father, I am thankful and appreciate all that You have done for me, my household, PPT households and the church.
Oh Lord, as we wait on you through intense prayers and fasting this month, let me, my household, and PPT experience “open heavens” creating spiritual opportunities resulting in having dominion over our lives (health, career, relationships, and finances).
I declare and decree that every spiritual valley in and around my life will be filled with an overflow of Jehovah’s blessings. I declare and decree that every spiritual mountain and hill in my way, in my family’s way, in PPT households’ way will be brought low in Jesus’ name.
I declare and decree that every spiritual crooked place in and around my life will be made straight by your power. I declare and decree that every spiritual rough way in my pathway, in my family’s pathway, PPT households’ pathway and the church’s pathway will be smooth.
I affirm that the zeal of the Lord will accomplish this. So shall it be.
Group prayer at 8:00 pm tonight.
Conference Call
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#