Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel.  I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.  – (Nehemiah 1:6)

Nehemiah is one of my favorite books of history.  I know what you’re thinking. “Every gook is your favorite book.”  Let me tell you something.  When people would ask my husband, “What’s Marilyn’s favorite book?” he would say to them, “Whatever book she’s currently reading in the Bible.  That’s her favorite book.” And that’s so true!

Today, we are in Nehemiah, so Nehemiah is my favorite book today!  I love Nehemiah because the name means “comforter.” Who else do we know who is a comforter?  The Holy Spirit!  Jesus said, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26 KVJ).  So, as a comforter, Nehemiah actually gives us a picture of what the Holy Spirit will be like!

But Nehemiah is also a book of prayer.  There are only 13 chapters inn this little book, but nine different prayers!  The wonderful prayers of Nehemiah remind us of the prayer ministry of Jesus and how God is going to have His way no matter how bad or dark the circumstances.

Jesus, I declare that in You there is always victory!  As I pray through difficult circumstances, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to comfort me.  Amen!