Neh 9:3 And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for one-fourth of the day; and for another fourth they confessed and worshiped the LORD their God.
The Israelites had gathered together fasting and wearing sackcloth and having dust on their heads. The scheduled activities for the fast were organized in such a manner that would ensure maximum returns for a day well spent.
Three hours ( a quarter of the day) was spent in reading , expounding and application of the scriptures and three hours in confessing their sins, praying and worshiping Yahweh. At the end of it all they renewed their covenant with God.( Neh 9:38)
The varying of the exercise made it productive and less tedious. The reading of the word furnished them with prayer points hence making the word profitable. They confessed their sins, read the word, prayed and worshipped… What a great day it was!
This is a season for prayer and fasting. ” Fasting without prayer is a body without a soul, a worthless carcass ” ( Mathew Henry’s commentary)
Further readings:
Lev 26:40-45
2Chr 7:14-16
Joel 2:12:14
🙏Blessed Day🙏