Nehemiah 1 (résumé): Nehemiah's prayer

The book of Nehemiah may well have been originally one book together with Ezra as it covers the same historical period when the Jews were returning to Jerusalem from their Babylonian exile. Nehemiah was an Israelite in Persia who led the re-building of Jerusalem's walls and led the spiritual renewal of God's people. He was cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. 

Nehemiah learns of the sorry situation in which Jerusalem finds itself with its walls broken down and its gates burnt. He learns that the survivors of the exile are in great trouble and disgrace. Nehemiah mourned, fasted and prayed about the situation because above all else Nehemiah was a man of prayer. Nehemiah therefore confessed his own sin and that of the people. He acknowledged their disobedience and wickedness. But he beseeched God's mercy and help as he is about to intercede with the king on behalf of Jerusalem and its people.