Nehemiah

This past week in Sunday school our lesson was on Nehemiah.

I love the book of Nehemiah. It's one of my favourite books of the Bible (not that the others are bad... you know what i mean). It's such a cool story of God's design planted within the heart of a man. Nehemiah faces constant adversity and opposition, but continues to seek God and follow His .

I particularly like the opening prayer found in verses 5-11:

Then I said:
"O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

"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 obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.'

"They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.

Such a cool prayer.

What about you, what is your favourite book of the Bible?