Today, we open the Book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah has a genuine heart for God. He hears of the situation in Jerusalem and is stirred up to do something about it. The Jews have been back in their land for almost a century now, and the walls of the city are still not finished. The people of God need someone with a vision and servant-hearted ambition to lead. So what does Nehemiah do? He prays.
Nehemiah knows that he will need God’s favor to prepare the king’s heart to see the fulfillment of his vision. Notice Nehemiah’s prayer. O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.” In those days I was the king’s cup-bearer. (Nehemiah 1:11, NLT) Notice the king’s response when Nehemiah shares his vision with the king. The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” (Nehemiah 2:4, NLT) … the king agreed to my request (2:6) … And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me. (2:8) Wow, paving the way forward with prayer was powerful!
A heart for God and a vision for God’s glory were not enough; Nehemiah prayed. It is easy to forget or be impatient and surge ahead without prayer! Yet the work we need God to do is vital, and who but us will ask? I am reminded of a verse in the New Testament: do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6, ESV) If you have a heart and vision for something—then pave the way with prayer!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Nehemiah 1-5.