It Happened in PrayerChikamu

Nehemiah’s prayer shows us how God answers those burdened to build. As Nehemiah hears of Jerusalem’s destruction, he weeps and begins to pray to God for many days. Chapter 1 recounts the prayer and how Nehemiah acknowledges God, repents on behalf of his people, and asks to be given favor in the sight of the king. In Chapter 2, we see Nehemiah with a sad countenance before King Artaxerxes. Note that when the king asks Nehemiah why he is sad, it is because, culturally, the Persians believed that being in the King’s presence should bring people joy.

In the moment of discourse with the King, Nehemiah explains why he is sad, and the king responds, “What do you request?” The Bible says Nehemiah prayed before answering and then asked the King to be sent to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. The King grants Nehemiah’s request and gives him men to help accomplish the task.

This example shows us how God honors our prayers concerning burdens from the Lord and the importance of pausing to pray. Nehemiah cared deeply for the things of God and made sure to pray about these concerns to be given favor with the king to fix them. It happened through prayer for Nehemiah to be given the favor and resources he needed to address his kingdom burden.

Perhaps you have a burden from the Lord and have been doubting God’s ability to supply you with what you need. Or maybe you have been trying to do it in your own strength without going to God about how to do it. We often fail to go to God because we think we can do it better or because we already have the resources. Ponder this: what did God want to help you with, but because you didn’t ask, you did it alone? What did you pay for that God would’ve covered had you asked? May Nehemiah’s account give you a reason to pause and pray to God about accomplishing the task.

Prayer: Lord, help me trust you with what you are burdening me to do. Help me acknowledge that you can do more than me. Help me trust that you want to help me and desire to assist me in what you have placed in my heart. In Jesus name, amen.