1 Nehemiah talks. He is the son of Hacaliah. It was the month named Kislev, in year 20. Nehemiah was in Susa, the king’s city. ️ 2 Nehemiah says: My brother Hanani came from Judah with some men. I asked about God’s people and about the city of Jerusalem. ♂️❓️ 3 The men said, “The people there have big trouble and feel shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken. The city gates are burned.” 4 When Nehemiah heard this, he sat down. He cried for many days. He did not eat food. He prayed to God in heaven. ⏳️❌☁️ 5 Nehemiah prayed, “God in heaven, You are big and good. You keep Your promise. You show God’s love to people who love You and do Your rules.” ❤️ 6 “Please listen to me. Please look at me. I pray day and night for Your people. We did wrong to You. I did wrong. My family did wrong.” 7 “We did very wrong. We did not do Your rules. You told these rules to Moses.” 8 “Please remember what You told Moses: If you do not obey, I will send you far away.” ➡️ 9 “But You said too: If you come back to Me and do My rules, I will bring you back. I will bring you to My special place.” ↩️❤️ 10 “We are Your people. We are Your helpers. You saved us with Your great power and strong hand.” ✊ 11 “Please listen to me and to all who love Your name. Please help me today. Please make the king kind to me.” Nehemiah was the king’s cup helper.