Monday 6th October 2025

“Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence. So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” Then I was terrified, but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” The king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked, “How long will you be gone? When will you return?” After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request.

I also said to the king, “If it please the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories on my way to Judah. And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king’s forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself.” And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me.” Nehemiah 9:1-8 New Living Translation

Gracious God,

Again God we read of Nehemiah giving glory to You for protecting and providing his every need. (verse 8). And before that has admitted that he was both sad and terrified. But he found Your strength in his weakness, to ask the king and queen, not just for time off but for expensive timber and letters of royal authority. And realistically, would a king and queen want a trustworthy always cheerful servant (serving wine), to be away for a long time?

Did Nehemiah have building experience? Leadership experience? He certainly seems to develop both as we read on later. Or was he just so moved at the bad news that the wall was broken down and the gates burned he was passionate for his homeland. Was he just moved to do something and not leave it to someone else?

One thing we are sure of. Your gracious hand was upon him as surely as it was on Ezra. How can we ever know if we keep quiet and never ask. The worst that can happen is a no. It took Nehemiah out of his comfort zone into the unknown. But he was not alone Your gracious hand was upon him all the way, all the time. So we too look for those opportunities to serve You God . Give us grace to ask and to see it through. Even if it is mundane and not as grand as building city walls! Build Your church Lord, use even me.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 6th October 2025
Do you remember this? Written in 1975 when the church began singing ‘modern’ choruses.

For I’m building a people of power
And I’m making a people of praise
That will move through this land by my Spirit
And will glorify my precious name

Build your church, Lord, make her strong, Lord
Join her hearts, Lord, through your Son
Make us one, Lord, in your body
In the kingdom of your Son


For I’m building a people of power
And I’m making a people of praise
That will move through this land by my Spirit
And will glorify my precious name

Build your church, Lord, make her strong, Lord
Join her hearts, Lord, through your Son
Make us one, Lord, in your body
In the kingdom of your Son


Build your church, Lord, make her strong, Lord
Join her hearts, Lord, through your Son
Make us one, Lord, in your body
In the kingdom of your Son


Lyrics Dave Richards: