Context and Background:

Nehemiah's prayer of confession is a pivotal moment in the Book of Nehemiah, found in Nehemiah 1:4-11. This prayer occurs after Nehemiah, a Jewish exile serving as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, receives distressing news about the state of Jerusalem. The walls of the city are broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire, leaving the remnant of the Jewish people in great trouble and disgrace. Deeply moved by this report, Nehemiah turns to God in prayer, setting the stage for his subsequent mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Structure and Content:

Nehemiah's prayer is a model of confession, intercession, and supplication. It can be divided into several key components:

1. Adoration and Acknowledgment of God's Character (Nehemiah 1:5):
Nehemiah begins his prayer by acknowledging the greatness and awesomeness of God, who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments. This opening sets the tone for the prayer, recognizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

"I said: 'O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments.'" (Nehemiah 1:5)

2. Confession of Sin (Nehemiah 1:6-7):
Nehemiah confesses the sins of the Israelites, including his own and his father's house. He acknowledges that they have acted corruptly against God and have not kept His commandments, statutes, and ordinances given through Moses. This confession is comprehensive, covering both personal and communal transgressions.

"Let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer that Your servant is praying before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, statutes, and ordinances that You gave Your servant Moses." (Nehemiah 1:6-7)

3. Remembrance of God's Promises (Nehemiah 1:8-9):
Nehemiah recalls God's promise to Moses that if the Israelites were unfaithful, they would be scattered among the nations, but if they returned to God and kept His commandments, He would gather them from the farthest horizons and bring them to the place He has chosen as a dwelling for His Name.

"Remember the instruction You gave Your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, then even if your exiles have been banished to the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My Name.’" (Nehemiah 1:8-9)

4. Petition for Success and Favor (Nehemiah 1:10-11):
Nehemiah concludes his prayer by asking God to be attentive to the prayer of His servant and to grant him success and favor in the presence of King Artaxerxes. He identifies himself as a servant of God, seeking divine intervention to fulfill the task of rebuilding Jerusalem.

"They are Your servants and Your people. You redeemed them by Your great power and mighty hand. O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (Nehemiah 1:10-11)

Theological Significance:

Nehemiah's prayer of confession is a profound example of humility, repentance, and reliance on God's promises. It underscores the importance of acknowledging sin and seeking God's forgiveness as a prerequisite for divine intervention and blessing. Nehemiah's approach to prayer reflects a deep understanding of God's covenantal relationship with His people and highlights the power of intercessory prayer in aligning human endeavors with God's will.