Nehemiah 9-10  After celebrating the feast of Booths for seven days, concluding on the 22nd day of that month.. the people of Israel returned again  on the 24th day of that month to fast- in sack-cloth and dirt or dust.  They again listened to the Word of God for about 3 hours and then spent 3 hours confessing their sins and worshiping.  Imagine... 6 hours of church!  We are so puny in our devotion... 

The prayer offered in verses 5-38 is a combination of praise and and an acknowledgment of the sins of Israel.  It recounts the birth of Israel with the calling of Abraham through the exodus from Egypt and the exile to Babylon.  They confess the hardness of their hearts, their disobedience to God's commandments, their stubbornness and rebellion, and the blasphemy of idolatry.  Over and over again they praise God for His grace and compassion, His forgiveness and restoration, His deliverance, and His provision. 

This passage gives us some wonderful words that we can also pray to our God, for example:

v 5-6 "O may Thy glorious name be blessed and exalted above all blessing and praise. Thou alone art the Lord. Thou hast made the heavens, the heaven of heavens with all their host." (Father in heaven, You are glorious and we exalt Your name. You are God alone, the Maker of heaven and earth. There is no other.)

v 17b "But Thou art a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness; and thou didst not forsake them." (Thank You f)r forgiving me, Lord God. Thank You for showing compassion to me and for never forsaking me.. even when I was living in willful disobedience. You never gave up on me.. Thank You!)

v27b ".. Thou didst hear from heaven, and according to Thy great compassion Thou didst give them deliverers who delivered them for the hand of their oppressors." ( Father, Deliver us from those who steal, destroy, or persecute us.  You are our Deliverer."

v 30a ".. Thou didst bear with them for many years." ( Father, thank You for bearing with me.. with us.. for all these years.)

Chapter10 

The people made a written covenant which they signed. They committed themselves to obey God's laws, to give the sacrifices, the tithes, and the first fruits.. and to not neglect God's house. And for a time.. Israel was faithful to her Lord. 

Father in heaven, we are thankful for Your Word.. for Your instruction and help from the Holy Spirit, that we might walk with You in our own lives.. in faith and truth.  You are our Great and Mighty God, who forgives, who has compassion on us, and who hears us when we call to You.  Blessed be Your Name. Father, we pray that You will strengthen us in our hearts and souls, to stand firm, to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus, to abide in You day by day, and to love You more and more.  We draw near to You and thank You for the promise that You will draw near to us.  Lead us in truth and righteousness we pray, to the glory of Jesus our Lord. Amen.