Nehemiah: Brick by Brick

Sometimes life feels too broken to fix. But the story of Nehemiah shows us that with God, restoration is always possible.

In our series Brick by Brick, we’ll follow Nehemiah’s journey from heartbreak to hope as he leads the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. It all started with one man’s burden, a prayer, and a step of faith.

Each week, we’ll explore what God rebuilt through Nehemiah—and what He might want to restore in us. This isn’t just about ancient ruins. It’s about reclaiming faith, renewing purpose, and rebuilding what’s been broken in our lives and in our church.

No matter where you are, you’re invited to join the journey. Let’s see what God wants to build brick by brick.

Day 2: Prayer Is the First Step Toward Revival

Before Nehemiah drew any plans or gave orders, he turned in humility to God. He confessed his own sins and the sins of his people. He remembered God’s covenant promises and asked for guidance and mercy. Revival always begins when we bend our knees and open our mouths in prayer. Instead of relying on our own strength or ideas, we submit our plans and listen for God’s voice.

Nehemiah 1:5-11 (ESV)
And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king.

Reflection

When have you moved ahead with a plan before checking in with God?
What if you paused before your next decision to invite God’s wisdom through prayer?