“And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.”
Nehemiah 2:18 (KJV)
Before you start
Jerusalem's walls lie broken. Nehemiah, a servant of the Persian king, hears and grieves, then prays, plans and asks the king for help. He inspects the ruins and invites the people to rebuild together.
Read Nehemiah 2:1–20 aloud from any translation. Invite volunteers to read; never put anyone on the spot.
Icebreaker · 5 minutes
What's something you've had to start over this year?
Observe · what does it say?
- What does Nehemiah do in verse 4, between the king's question and his answer?
- What does Nehemiah ask the king for (verses 7–8)?
- What does he do before he tells anyone his plan (verses 12–16)?
Interpret · what did it mean?
- Nehemiah prays and plans. Why do both matter?
- Why does Nehemiah invite others instead of rebuilding alone?
Apply · what does it ask of us?
- If your semester has broken walls (grades, money, relationships), what is one brick you can lay this week?
- Who could you ask for help, the way Nehemiah asked the king?
On your campus
Run this study the week after midterm grades. End with a REACH table: academic advising, financial aid, counseling.
Closing prayer
God, look at the broken places with us. Give us courage to ask for help and strength to rebuild, one brick at a time. Amen.
Take home
Make one appointment this week: advising, financial aid, tutoring or counseling.
What is shared in this study stays in the room. If anyone is in crisis, call or text 988; in immediate danger, call 911.