For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
A man named Nehemiah lived far from home, working for a great king. One day his brother brought him news that broke his heart.
Today's Story
Nehemiah lived a long way from home, in the big palace of a king. He had a good job and warm food. But his heart was always thinking about Jerusalem, the city he loved.
One day his brother came to visit. “How are things back home?” Nehemiah asked.
His brother looked sad. “The city wall is broken down,” he said. “The gates have been burned. The people there are in trouble, and everyone is making fun of them.”
When Nehemiah heard this, he sat down and cried. A city without a wall was like a house with no doors — anyone could push their way in. For days he was sad. He didn't even want to eat.
But Nehemiah didn't just stay sad. He prayed. “Lord, You are great,” he said. “Please listen to me. Please help my people. And please help me when I go talk to the king.”
Nehemiah took his big sad feeling and handed it right to God. And God was listening.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- When something makes you really sad, what do you usually do first?
- Nehemiah cried, and then he prayed. Do you think it's okay to do both? Why?
- Is there someone or something you would like to pray about right now, like Nehemiah did?