Introduction:
1. Introducing Nehemiah.
2. Bad News from Jerusalem (v1-4).
3. First Things First: Take it to the Lord in Prayer (v5-11).
– Humble but confident prayer.
– Confessing prayer.
– Biblical prayer.
– Passionate prayer.
– Petitioning prayer.

Conclusion:
– What makes a great leader of God’s people? First things first! Knowing what’s really
important, and doing it.

– Consider Nehemiah:
– He was not a king, but he governed God’s people wisely.
– He was not a prophet, but he faithfully applied God’s Word.
– He was just a lay-person, but he loved the LORD and served him faithfully –
and that’s all God ever asks of a good leader.
– What difference can you make in the world that God has placed you in?