prays again, quickly, right in the midst of his conversation with the king (2:4). It is comforting to know that we have a God who hears and answers both longer, well thought- through prayers, and more urgent and succinct pleas. While prepared and organized prayers have a won- derful place in the life of God’s peo- ple, it is good to be reminded that it is not the quality of our prayers that allows them to be heard. Nehe- miah’s differing models of prayer displays what a life of prayer looks like, one lived in obedience to Paul’s exhortations to “pray without ceas- ing” (1 Thes. 5:17). Nehemiah 9 records another cor- porate prayer of confession, this one led by the Levites. They begin with adoration of God and move into praising Him for what he has the salvation and preservation of His people through history. Again, the great faithfulness and mercy of God is contrasted with the sin and failings of his people (e.g., vv. 16- 21). Recalling the history of God’s steadfast love to an undeserving people serves to humble pray-ers and produces thankfulness within them, but it also serves to bolster requests to God. Do we remember the past mercies of God regularly? Do we use answered prayer to encourage us toward bold prayer for present needs? Many commentators and Bible study authors have pointed out the parallels between the post- exilic time period and our own. Derek Kidner writes that the Old Testament ends the same way the New Testament does “in that both bring the reader to the point of ar- rival which is a staging post rather than a destination… [inviting him or her] to explore God’s purpose further.” (Ezra and Nehemiah: An
January/February 2024
Introduction and Commentary, introduction). Ezra and Nehemiah along with Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi lived during a time period when they could look back and see God’s promises (both of judgment and bless- ing) fulfilled. And, they could look forward in anticipation of continued kept promises. They could pray with thankfulness for past faithfulness and with certain hope for future faithfulness. This is where we live, and pray, too. It is good to be reminded through these less familiar parts of Scripture that we serve a God who keeps His promises, who hears and answers prayer, and, who delights to do so. As Ezra testifies, “the hand of our God is for good on all who seek him…” (Ezra 8:22).
ARP Women’s Ministry: Prayer Emphasis 2024
ARP Women’s Ministries encourages the women of the denomination to par- ticipate in an annual Prayer Emphasis program or event in their local church. The Prayer Emphasis programs at our churches all look different and vary from year to year. Perhaps a dinner is held and your pastor or a speaker is invited to address women on the topic of prayer. Or, a day of prayer is set aside for day. Maybe a prayer partner initiative is developed or a prayer-by-letter-writing ministry is revived. It could be as simple as drawing attention to the opportuni- ties for corporate prayer already provided by your church. However you choose to observe it, we hope that a Prayer Emphasis program can be a time for the women in your church to encourage one another toward the regular practice of corporate and personal prayer. Below is an example of a prayer program that you can adapt as needed for private or public use. May we be women of prayer!
Read: Nehemiah 1:5, 9:6-31; Psalm 90 Sing: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” Pray: Praise God for His work in redemptive history and for answered prayer in your own life.
Read: Isaiah 6:1-3; Haggai 1:13 and 2:4-9; Hebrews 4:14-16 Sing: “God Himself is With Us,” “Before the Throne of God Above” Pray for: Thank God for His ongoing presence with His people and the strength He provides us to do what He has called us to do. Pray for the work you have before you. Pray also for ARP Churches, their pastors, - cies and ministries.
Read: Psalm 84 Pray for: The witness of the church in the world, the persecuted church, missionaries supported by your church and/or the denomination, your local, state, and national leaders. Sing: “How Sweet and Awesome is the Place”
Read: Romans 11:33-36 Pray: Sing: “Holy, Holy, Holy,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
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