December 22, Reading 1 – Nehemiah 9

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

We have here a summary of the sermon that was preached at another rally later the same month. The preacher makes similar points to the Apostle Paul in Romans – all have sinned; we are saved by faith through God’s grace. Look to God’s grace and mercy.

SJA Notes

* Loving God, in Your righteousness there is life, and its pathway there is no death.

“You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.”

What a prayer this is!

It retells God’s grace and mercy, in His taking care of His people.

It proclaims His majesty and power.

It advocates for and rejoices in the work of the Holy Spirit in His people.

And it cries out for mercy, acknowledging our sins and rebellion, our stiff necks and hard hearts. Individually and corporately.

Tomorrow’s passage will go on to tell us more of the covenant the people, make, what they affirm they will do.

But today we have a clear reminder of the importance of prayer. Both on our own and in the various groups of God’s family that we have in our lives.

* Father God,

Thank You for this prayer – Please write it on our hearts!

Please grow our understanding of You, our understanding of ourselves.

Please forgive us Lord, for our sin.

Amen.

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