TREASURES OF THE BIBLE, Week of July 24 to 30, 2023, "Instantly I prayed to the God of heaven", Prepared Speech.

TREASURES OF THE BIBLE, July 24-30-2023, "Immediately I prayed to the God of heaven", Prepared Speech. 

“Immediately I prayed to the God of heaven” (10 min.)

—–Before starting the speech we will see the information about the Book of Nehemiah—–

In this week's information we will reflect on the story of Nehemiah, a man whose faith, wisdom, and ability to pray teach us valuable lessons about how to respond wisely and clearly when faced with unexpected questions about our beliefs.

Nehemiah's life shows us that even in difficult situations, prayer and preparation can make the difference between success and failure in our responses when someone asks us about our beliefs. So in the book of Nehemiah we read how this man who served the Persian king Artaxerxes as a cupbearer received an unexpected question that filled him with fear, but let's look at it directly in the Bible in Nehemiah 2:2-4.

LET'S READ NEHEMIAH 2:2-4.

That's why the king told me: “I see you down. What's the matter? You are not sick, so it must be that your heart is sad. At that moment I was very afraid.

3 Then I said to the king: “Long live the king! How am I not going to look sad, when the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins and its gates were burned?" 4 The king asked me: "What do you want to do?" Instantly I prayed to the God of heaven.

The king noticed that Nehemiah was sad and asked him what you are trying to achieve, at that moment Nehemiah made a crucial decision, and that is that before answering, he directed his heart and mind to God through a silent prayer. This small and meaningful action reveals to us a profound truth about the importance of communicating with our creator Jehovah in any difficult circumstance we are going through.

Circumstances sometimes force us to be brief in our prayers, but that does not diminish his power. Nehemiah instantly prayed to the God of heaven and the result was amazing. Jehovah answered his prayer and King Artaxerxes granted him permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Let's go back to the Bible and read verses 5 and 6 of Nehemiah chapter 2.

LET'S READ NEHEMIAH 2:5,6.

And I answered, “If it pleases the king and if this servant of yours is in favor with you, send me to Judah, to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I can rebuild it.”a 6 Then the king, who had the queen* sitting by his side, said to me, “How long will your journey take? And, when you will return?". So the king saw fit to send me, and I told him the time he would be away.

Isn't it amazing? How even short, silent prayers work when filled with faith when filled with devotion to our heavenly father Jehovah, as we consider this text, how can we apply this lesson in our lives? The biblical text provides us with a useful framework to give a good answer when we are asked about our beliefs unexpectedly, we must follow the example of Nehemiah.

Let's first imitate his attitude of silent prayer before responding. Well, we are faced with an unforeseen situation, let's stop for a moment in our minds and communicate our thoughts through a prayer to God, he knows our hearts, he knows our needs and is always willing to listen to us. 

In addition to prayer, Nehemiah teaches us the importance of being prepared. After Nehemiah's brief prayer responded to the king with wisdom and sensitivity, he formulated a plan in his mind before speaking a mental framework that allowed him to present his arguments coherently and convincingly.

So by following in the footsteps, as Nehemiah did, the text also urges us to always be prepared. But how can we prepare? In advance to face these circumstances that can happen unforeseen, first he says we can think about selecting one or two key points. How is this? Well when faced with a question about our beliefs, let's select one or two key points that we want to share.

These points must be clear, fundamental and easily understandable for whoever is listening to us. Let's also take the help of the book of reasoning from the scriptures if necessary, since in this book we find valuable tools, valuable lessons to explain our beliefs in a convincing way and above all using the word of God the Bible.

Also another point to take into account is to use supporting Biblical texts, we see that a solid foundation for our beliefs lies in the sacred scripture, let us choose Biblical texts that support the points that we claimed to communicate. The Bible is an inexhaustible source of wisdom and truth, and its words have the power to touch the hearts and minds of our listeners.

It is important to start with tact and empathy the way we start our conversation or the way we answer a question mainly it is vital to capture attention and interest with our answer. Let's use a kind, respectful and compassionate approach when talking about our beliefs, acknowledge their questions and concerns, and also show appreciation for what they tell us, or what the people who are listening to us say at the time.

So brothers, by following these steps and learning from the wisdom and wise response of Nehemiah, we will be better prepared to give an answer when we are faced with unexpected questions about our beliefs. And as always, let us give value to short prayers or silent prayers, since Jehovah is always on our side willing to guide and strengthen us in every step we take. 

Let's remember that every unforeseen situation is an opportunity to demonstrate our faith and our love for our creator. Let us follow the example of Nehemiah who with humility, wisdom and his prayer received the support of the king and was able to fulfill that noble purpose that he had in his heart to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. 

In conclusion, let us always remember that in our responses and actions we are reflecting our relationship with God and our faith in his teachings. Let us take advantage of every opportunity to show others the wonderful light that we find in the word of God. And how it has benefited us throughout our lives in being able to learn from God and put it into practice. Constant prayer and preparation will not equip you to respond wisely and lovingly by sharing the truth about God with all who are willing to listen. 

That is why, dear brothers, may the story of Nehemiah and his powerful prayer continue to be an inspiration for all of us, that at every moment of our lives we approach God in prayer, trusting that he will guide us and support us in the answers we need, give people either in our preaching, in our workplace or for young people at school and that through our words and actions, we can demonstrate the magnitude and strength of our beliefs, being true testimonies of the love and goodness of our beloved father. heavenly Jehovah.