Nehemiah 8 & Psalm 119

1. Read Nehemiah 8:1-8 and 2 Chronicles 36:15-16. Compare and contrast the people's attitudes and actions toward God and His Word before the exile (2 Chronicles 36) and after (Nehemiah 8). How are God's people different now? Why are they different?
2. God's Word is held above the people and proclaimed. Do you see any significance in this detail? If so, what? What about you? Is there a season of life when you sensed God awakening you to the reality of your sin, your need for a Savior, and the goodness of God? In what ways, if any, did your life begin to change from that moment forward?
3. Read Nehemiah 8:9-12. Verse 9 says "For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law." Why do you think they weep? What was it that caused them to mourn?
4. The people hear the Law and begin to weep. Sometimes, mourning is the right response to understanding the Law. God's people mourn because they are filled with remorse over their sin. God's holiness exposes their uncleanness. What about you? Think again about the course of your life. Has there ever been a time when God's holiness in contrast to your sin caused you to grieve?
5. Read Psalm 119:1-8. What sticks out to you from this passage? In your life, what would it look like to obey this passage? In closing, spend some time praying together, letting each line of this passage guide your prayers.