Nehemiah : WK 2 - GROUP GUIDE

INTRODUCTION
The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion between you and the person you’re studying with, or with your Connect Group. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPENING QUESTION(S)
Do you have someone in your life who is your prayer warrior? Someone you love to hear pray or that you look up to as it relates to their prayer life? When it comes to prayer, what is one thing that is easy for you, and one thing that is harder for you?

HEAD

1. Read Nehemiah 1:2-11, 2:1-4,  together and share any wisdom, insights, or thoughts that come to you from the reading? What stands out?
2. What kind of response do you think Nehemiah hoped for when he asked his brother for an update concerning Jerusalem?
3. After taking it all in and weeping, letting his heart break, what was Nehemiah’s first response to the news that was shared?
4. Why do you think Nehemiah was quick to confess before asking for what he wants?  And is he confessing just for himself, or for the people?  Why?
5. In chapter 2 verse 1, why would it be. dangerous for Nehemiah to appear sad before the king as the king’s cupbearer?
6. Once Nehemiah tells the king why he is sad, which was still dangerous to do, and the king asks how he can help nehemiah, before responding to that question what does Nehemiah do?  Why?

HEART

1. Why do you think we’re so quick to problem-solve, as opposed to following Nehemiah’s example and spend time in prayer, with God, first?
2. A famous prayer says, “Lord, break my heart with the things that break your heart.” Concerning the things of God, what breaks your heart, what causes you to weep?  If so, what do you do about those things that weigh heavy on your heart?
3. Nehemiah was a man of prayer before action. Why are we more quick to act then pray, if we pray about it at all?  Do you think we struggle to believe that God will act, so we act for him to speed things up?
4. Nehemiah could have asked the king for anything. What can we learn about Nehemiah’s approach to problem-solving to bring into our lives today?

HANDS
This week, try each day to pray this prayer and then take some time at the end of the week to take inventory of your feelings, your heart, and see if God used that prayer to shift something in you: “Lord, break my heart with the things that break your heart.”

LIVING WORDS FOR YOUR WEEK
“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”
Luke 18:1 NLT

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT