40 Days of Prayer - Day 18

Day 18: Begin with Brokenness

PRAY

Pray that God will give you a brokenness that will lead to true revival in your life and in the life of your church. Like Nehemiah ask honest questions, accept reality and act now.

Read Nehemiah 1:1-11

When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

Brokenness is often what God uses to reveal vision and begin revival. Nehemiah serves as an example of a leader who was broken over a city and its people. Enemies destroyed the wall around Jerusalem, leaving the city in a vulnerable position. The people were in great trouble and disgrace. Nehemiah sought God’s heart and followed His leadership. He was available for God to use.

Nehemiah painted a clear picture for us of how brokenness can lead to revival: 
  1. Nehemiah asked questions. He wanted to know about the city and its people. What questions do you need to ask? Is your church in need of revival? Are the people committed to sharing Jesus and developing believers in the faith? When was the last time you baptized a new believer? 
  2. Nehemiah accepted reality. He heard the news that the wall was broken down, and the people were in trouble. Do you need to accept reality? Are there things in your life or in your church that need to change in order for God to move? 
  3. Nehemiah acted now. He cried, prayed, fasted, and surrendered. What do you need to do now that will lead to revival in your own life and in your church? Do you need to cry, pray, fast, and surrender?
Are you broken over the “current reality” of things in your life and in your church that are not pleasing to God?