The word that is spoken or written is very powerful.  When you are going through school which we all have done, listening to the teacher’s instruction is critically important in taking a test, or writing a paper, or passing a class.  The teacher is bound by what he or she has said in following through with their word.  Unfortunately my illustration breaks down because we all know of situations when the words that are spoken are not followed.

In the courts, the law is quoted over and over again to the judge to get a favorable judgment.  Words that are written are powerful in swaying the judgment of a judge or a jury.  Cases years previously are used to influence those that would be making final decisions in the life of defendants, just by quoting the written word.

How about when God speaks His word.  How powerful is His word?  What about His promises?  How faithful is He in fulfilling His promises to those who follow them?  Nehemiah in the bold print uses the fourth step in praying by quoting what God said to the nation of Israel.  “Then I (Nehemiah) said:“ Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’ “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king.” ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭1:5-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Word.  The Promise.  God’s word and promise.  How powerful.  Nehemiah was quoting the instruction that God gave Moses about the need for Israel to follow His commands.  There were negative consequences of not following the commands and positive consequences of obeying the commands.

On this journey, if we want God to answer our prayer, we need to be students of His word and use that word in asking God to answer the requests that we are praying to Him.