Read: Nehemiah 4

Last Sunday, Pastor Ken preached from Nehemiah 2-3 on what it means to be a servant of God. This Sunday, he will continue in chapter four, where we will consider how God’s servants are to respond to opposition while on mission. As you prepare your heart for our corporate gathering, let this prayer from The Valley of Vision lead you to find joy, rest, and strength to carry on in our Mighty Conqueror, Jesus Christ.

Heart Preparation

O LORD,

I bless thee that the issue of the battle
between thyself and Satan
has never been uncertain,
and will end in victory.
Calvary broke the dragon’s head,
and I contend with a vanquished foe,
who with all his subtlety and strength
has already been overcome.
When I feel the serpent at my heel
may I remember him whose heel was bruised,
but who, when bruised, broke the devil’s head.

My soul with inward joy extols
the mighty conqueror.

Heal me of any wounds received
in the great conflict;
if I have gathered defilement,
if my faith has suffered damage,
if my hope is less than bright,
if my love is not fervent,
if some creature-comfort occupies my heart,
if my soul sinks under pressure of the fight.
O thou whose every promise is balm,
every touch life,
draw near to thy weary warrior,
refresh me, that I may rise again
to wage the strife,
and never tire until my enemy is trodden down.
Give me a draught of the eternal fountain
that lieth in thy immutable, everlasting love
and decree.
Then shall my hand never weaken,
my feet never stumble,
my sword never rest,
my shield never rust,
my helmet never shatter,
my breastplate never fall,
as my strength rests in the power
of thy might.

“The Servant in Battle,” in The Valley of Vision, Edited by Arthur Bennett

Song List for Sunday

1. “Facing a Task Unfinished,” by Keith & Kristyn Getty
2. “O Church of Christ, Invincible,” by Matt Boswell
3. “This We Know,” Arr. by Shane & Shane
4. “O Church Arise,” by Keith & Kristyn Getty