Notes based on 6:30 pm sermon series
1. Nehemiah 1

Where is "home" for you? How long have you been away from your roots? (You may want to talk about your spiritual home or church roots.)

In a short time of prayer thank God for his goodness in the past and for something he has done for you during the summer break. Sing together.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above you heavenly hosts
Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost.

Read Nehemiah 1

How grieved are you about the physical and spiritual state of God's people? Enough to pray? fast? act?

When news of exiled people, brokenness and famine hits you, do you react like Nehemiah?

Read Jeremiah 29:11-12. Do we believe that God has a plan and a purpose for our lives? Do we anticipate God using us and our church?

Jeremiah sat down and wept. Do we sit down and weep for our society and do we spend time in God's presence before we put ourselves at his disposal? How costly was this for Nehemiah and how did we show his sorrow?

Pray about some of the things that really move you. Ask God to put on your hearts some need or concern and in praying be willing to respond yourself if necessary.