NEHEMIAHS PRAYER
Notes
Transcript
Nehemiah 1:4-2:8 Prayer.
Nehemiah 1:4-2:8 Prayer.
It really does change things. And the reason why is because God answers prayer. David said, “I love the LORD, because He hears my voice and my supplications” (Psalm 116:1). When we are faithful to pray, God is faithful to answer. Now the truth is that many of us don’t know how to pray very well. Our prayers often lack effectiveness simply because we fail to understand what prayer is all about ... and how to pray in a way that truly connects with the heart of God. Remember, prayer can do anything that God can do ... and God can do anything. Billy Graham was asked this question: “Dr. Graham, in your ministry that God has used in such an incredible way, what has been the core? What has been the foundation? What has been the cornerstone of your success?” Dr. Graham answered without hesitation, “Prayer.” Prayer is the core. Prayer is the cornerstone. Prayer is the foundation of all that God did and is still doing in and through the life and ministry of Billy Graham.
It really does change things. And the reason why is because God answers prayer. David said, “I love the LORD, because He hears my voice and my supplications” (Psalm 116:1). When we are faithful to pray, God is faithful to answer. Now the truth is that many of us don’t know how to pray very well. Our prayers often lack effectiveness simply because we fail to understand what prayer is all about ... and how to pray in a way that truly connects with the heart of God. Remember, prayer can do anything that God can do ... and God can do anything. Billy Graham was asked this question: “Dr. Graham, in your ministry that God has used in such an incredible way, what has been the core? What has been the foundation? What has been the cornerstone of your success?” Dr. Graham answered without hesitation, “Prayer.” Prayer is the core. Prayer is the cornerstone. Prayer is the foundation of all that God did and is still doing in and through the life and ministry of Billy Graham.
Now I think the greatest gift that God has given us is the gift of prayer. Prayer is the privilege given to every Christian that allows us to connect our nothingness with His almightiness. And the truth is many of us don’t take advantage of that gift, that privilege. So many of us don’t really take the time to pray. Jesus’ Example When you read the gospels, it’s interesting that little is said about Jesus pouring over the scriptures. You’re not going to find in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John many references to Jesus slipping away with the scroll of Isaiah and studying that all night. Obviously, He spent time reading the Old Testament Scripture, for He quoted it often. But you’ll find the Bible doesn’t reference His study time much at all. What you do find, however, are references over and over and over again to the fact that Jesus would pray. He prayed and prayed and prayed. He prayed all night before He chose the twelve disciples. When Jesus was to be betrayed and arrested, where did they go to find Him? He was in the Garden of Gethsemane. What was He doing? He was praying, praying to His Father. The disciples saw that aspect of Jesus’ life, how important prayer was, and do you know what they said to Jesus? They didn’t say, “Lord, teach us to preach. Lord, show us how to exegete a chapter in the book of Jeremiah.” They said, “Lord, teach us to pray. Lord, we see how prayer is so central to Your life. Teach us to pray as John taught his disciples to pray.” Luke 1:1 What is Prayer? Prayer is the key, but lots of us have misunderstandings about prayer. Now one of the things I want you to really get down in your heart is this truth: Not what we do to get God to do what we want. A lot of people think that is what prayer is— bombarding heaven and beating on God until you wear Him out and get what you want. That’s not prayer. Now prayer is, obviously, praying your needs to God. He wants you to do that. Jesus said, “Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:9-11).
Now I think the greatest gift that God has given us is the gift of prayer. Prayer is the privilege given to every Christian that allows us to connect our nothingness with His almightiness. And the truth is many of us don’t take advantage of that gift, that privilege. So many of us don’t really take the time to pray. Jesus’ Example When you read the gospels, it’s interesting that little is said about Jesus pouring over the scriptures. You’re not going to find in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John many references to Jesus slipping away with the scroll of Isaiah and studying that all night. Obviously, He spent time reading the Old Testament Scripture, for He quoted it often. But you’ll find the Bible doesn’t reference His study time much at all. What you do find, however, are references over and over and over again to the fact that Jesus would pray. He prayed and prayed and prayed. He prayed all night before He chose the twelve disciples. When Jesus was to be betrayed and arrested, where did they go to find Him? He was in the Garden of Gethsemane. What was He doing? He was praying, praying to His Father. The disciples saw that aspect of Jesus’ life, how important prayer was, and do you know what they said to Jesus? They didn’t say, “Lord, teach us to preach. Lord, show us how to exegete a chapter in the book of Jeremiah.” They said, “Lord, teach us to pray. Lord, we see how prayer is so central to Your life. Teach us to pray as John taught his disciples to pray.” Luke 1:1 What is Prayer? Prayer is the key, but lots of us have misunderstandings about prayer. Now one of the things I want you to really get down in your heart is this truth: Not what we do to get God to do what we want. A lot of people think that is what prayer is— bombarding heaven and beating on God until you wear Him out and get what you want. That’s not prayer. Now prayer is, obviously, praying your needs to God. He wants you to do that. Jesus said, “Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:9-11).
God wants us to ask Him for the things we need. But prayer is not getting God to do what you want. It’s not just beating on God until He caves to your wishes. This is what prayer really is: Prayer is the means by which we fellowship with God so that we can know His heart and know & do His will. That’s what prayer really is. It’s communion with God. Prayer is talking to God, sharing with Him, and hearing God share with you. It’s one-on-one time with God. That’s prayer. In time, your needs are met, but that is not the goal or purpose of prayer. When the Lord talks about revival hitting a nation, as He does in 2 Chronicles 7, the secret to prayer is seeking His face: “[If] My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face (strongly desires God’s presence and Blessing) and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). This is a critical point. Don’t seek His hand or the goodies He gives. Seek His face!
God wants us to ask Him for the things we need. But prayer is not getting God to do what you want. It’s not just beating on God until He caves to your wishes. This is what prayer really is: Prayer is the means by which we fellowship with God so that we can know His heart and know & do His will. That’s what prayer really is. It’s communion with God. Prayer is talking to God, sharing with Him, and hearing God share with you. It’s one-on-one time with God. That’s prayer. In time, your needs are met, but that is not the goal or purpose of prayer. When the Lord talks about revival hitting a nation, as He does in 2 Chronicles 7, the secret to prayer is seeking His face: “[If] My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face (strongly desires God’s presence and Blessing) and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). This is a critical point. Don’t seek His hand or the goodies He gives. Seek His face!
Let’s look at Nehemiah’s prayer life. we are going to focus on a key passage from the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah led a coalition of people back to Jerusalem to repair the broken walls of the holy city, utterly destroyed in the siege of Babylon 141 years previously. He did something great and awesome that no one had done, but it was something that God wanted accomplished. God put that desire into the heart of Nehemiah, and Nehemiah prayed that desire back to Him. God did miracles as a result of his prayers and faithfulness.
Let’s look at Nehemiah’s prayer life. we are going to focus on a key passage from the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah led a coalition of people back to Jerusalem to repair the broken walls of the holy city, utterly destroyed in the siege of Babylon 141 years previously. He did something great and awesome that no one had done, but it was something that God wanted accomplished. God put that desire into the heart of Nehemiah, and Nehemiah prayed that desire back to Him. God did miracles as a result of his prayers and faithfulness.
Let me give you a little background before we dig in to the first chapter of Nehemiah. The year is 444 B.C., and Nehemiah, the godly Jew, is living in the capital city of the Persian Empire, Susa (modern day Iran). His job in the kingdom is cupbearer to the king of Persia. It’s a really cool, plush job ... but it’s kind of dangerous. When you’re cupbearer to the king, you drink the king’s wine before he does. And as long as nobody has poisoned the wine, it’s good. You get to eat and drink like a king, and hang out in the presence of royalty. You get to enjoy all the luxury that surrounds the king. But, here is the downside: if someone is trying to kill the king by poisoning his food or drink, you are the one who dies. So there is an element of danger associated with the job. In Nehemiah 1:2, Nehemiah inquires about the status of Jerusalem. The answer he receives in verse three breaks his heart, “‘The remnant there in the province who survived the captivity are in great distress and reproach, and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and the gates are burned with fire.’
Let me give you a little background before we dig in to the first chapter of Nehemiah. The year is 444 B.C., and Nehemiah, the godly Jew, is living in the capital city of the Persian Empire, Susa (modern day Iran). His job in the kingdom is cupbearer to the king of Persia. It’s a really cool, plush job ... but it’s kind of dangerous. When you’re cupbearer to the king, you drink the king’s wine before he does. And as long as nobody has poisoned the wine, it’s good. You get to eat and drink like a king, and hang out in the presence of royalty. You get to enjoy all the luxury that surrounds the king. But, here is the downside: if someone is trying to kill the king by poisoning his food or drink, you are the one who dies. So there is an element of danger associated with the job. In Nehemiah 1:2, Nehemiah inquires about the status of Jerusalem. The answer he receives in verse three breaks his heart, “‘The remnant there in the province who survived the captivity are in great distress and reproach, and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and the gates are burned with fire.’
“Now it came about when I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” Make no mistake about it: Nehemiah was a prayer warrior. You and I can learn so much about prayer from the life of this special servant of God.
“Now it came about when I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” Make no mistake about it: Nehemiah was a prayer warrior. You and I can learn so much about prayer from the life of this special servant of God.
So with that in mind, let’s look at seven wonderful insights to prayer from the life of Nehemiah.
So with that in mind, let’s look at seven wonderful insights to prayer from the life of Nehemiah.
INSIGHT #1: Prayer should start with praise. The walls of Jerusalem had been broken down since 586 B.C., and now it is 444 B.C. One hundred forty one years have passed, and the walls are still broken down. Now Nehemiah mourns upon receiving the news. It isn’t new news, but he receives it in a fresh, new way, and it breaks his heart as if it is the first time he has ever heard it. He is devastated by the fact that God’s city, Jerusalem, is totally destroyed and broken down. It’s like the pictures we see after a horrific earthquake or tsunami where buildings have collapsed and walls are broken and things are burning. That’s what it was like in Jerusalem, God’s holy city. The temple was rebuilt in 515 B.C., but it was nothing in comparison to the glories of Solomon’s Temple that was destroyed in 586. Things just aren’t the same, and the city is in shambles.
INSIGHT #1: Prayer should start with praise. The walls of Jerusalem had been broken down since 586 B.C., and now it is 444 B.C. One hundred forty one years have passed, and the walls are still broken down. Now Nehemiah mourns upon receiving the news. It isn’t new news, but he receives it in a fresh, new way, and it breaks his heart as if it is the first time he has ever heard it. He is devastated by the fact that God’s city, Jerusalem, is totally destroyed and broken down. It’s like the pictures we see after a horrific earthquake or tsunami where buildings have collapsed and walls are broken and things are burning. That’s what it was like in Jerusalem, God’s holy city. The temple was rebuilt in 515 B.C., but it was nothing in comparison to the glories of Solomon’s Temple that was destroyed in 586. Things just aren’t the same, and the city is in shambles.
The Bible says that Nehemiah sat down and wept. The word sat down is a picture of mourning in the ancient Near East where you put your elbows on your knees and you squat. And in this scene, he is squatted down, mourning and crying. When it says he wept, that word is also used in 1st Samuel chapter 1 when it talks about Hannah, who couldn’t have any children, and she wept bitterly before the Lord. Her heart was shattered. Any woman who wants to have a child and is having difficulty knows that pain. This is the pain that Nehemiah felt for God’s people and for God’s city. He wept and mourned for days, and he was fasting and praying. In the depth of his hurt, he begins to pray. And what does he pray? We read in Nehemiah chapter 1 verse 5: “And I said, ‘I beseech You, O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments. Let now thy ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant.” In the midst of his brokenness and hurt, he starts off his prayer with praise. Amazing! He begins his prayer with praise! What does that teach us about prayer? Regardless of what is going on, prayer should always start with praise because God is worthy of our praise. Scripture says in Psalm 147:1, “Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and praise is becoming.”
The Bible says that Nehemiah sat down and wept. The word sat down is a picture of mourning in the ancient Near East where you put your elbows on your knees and you squat. And in this scene, he is squatted down, mourning and crying. When it says he wept, that word is also used in 1st Samuel chapter 1 when it talks about Hannah, who couldn’t have any children, and she wept bitterly before the Lord. Her heart was shattered. Any woman who wants to have a child and is having difficulty knows that pain. This is the pain that Nehemiah felt for God’s people and for God’s city. He wept and mourned for days, and he was fasting and praying. In the depth of his hurt, he begins to pray. And what does he pray? We read in Nehemiah chapter 1 verse 5: “And I said, ‘I beseech You, O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments. Let now thy ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant.” In the midst of his brokenness and hurt, he starts off his prayer with praise. Amazing! He begins his prayer with praise! What does that teach us about prayer? Regardless of what is going on, prayer should always start with praise because God is worthy of our praise. Scripture says in Psalm 147:1, “Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and praise is becoming.”
The last psalm in the book of Psalms is all about praising the LORD. “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD” (Psalm 150:6). The Scripture says, “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3). When you pray, start off your prayers with praise because God inhabits the praises of His people.
The last psalm in the book of Psalms is all about praising the LORD. “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD” (Psalm 150:6). The Scripture says, “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3). When you pray, start off your prayers with praise because God inhabits the praises of His people.
Do you know what praise does for you? It gets your eyes off your problems and gets them onto God. What does Nehemiah say about God? He says, “God, You are the great and awesome God. You’re the God who is able. I have a huge, gigantic problem, and You’re the God who is able. You’re the great and awesome God of heaven.” And then Nehemiah talks about God’s love: “…who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him…” Nehemiah was saying, “God, I love You, and You have love for me.”
Do you know what praise does for you? It gets your eyes off your problems and gets them onto God. What does Nehemiah say about God? He says, “God, You are the great and awesome God. You’re the God who is able. I have a huge, gigantic problem, and You’re the God who is able. You’re the great and awesome God of heaven.” And then Nehemiah talks about God’s love: “…who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him…” Nehemiah was saying, “God, I love You, and You have love for me.”
So start off your prayers with praise, and remember God is great and awesome and He loves you. Not only is He the King of the universe, He is your Dad who loves you with an everlasting love. Start off your prayers with praise.
So start off your prayers with praise, and remember God is great and awesome and He loves you. Not only is He the King of the universe, He is your Dad who loves you with an everlasting love. Start off your prayers with praise.
INSIGHT #2: Prayer must include confession. Nehemiah goes on to say in this passage: “Let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses” (Nehemiah 1:6,7).
INSIGHT #2: Prayer must include confession. Nehemiah goes on to say in this passage: “Let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses” (Nehemiah 1:6,7).
Nehemiah is a righteous guy. And he is heartbroken over the fact that Jerusalem has been destroyed. And why was the city destroyed? Because God’s people had turned their back on Him. They had forsaken God and foolishly, wickedly and went after false idols. God was incredibly patient for a time, but His patience would eventually run out on His disobedient people. He told them that if they turned their back on Him and pursued other gods, He would remove them from the land. Obviously, the people didn’t really believe Him. And one of the things that bolstered their unbelief was the fact that God in His patience had not yet brought judgment for their sin. Because judgment was mercifully delayed, the people erroneously thought judgment was not coming.
Nehemiah is a righteous guy. And he is heartbroken over the fact that Jerusalem has been destroyed. And why was the city destroyed? Because God’s people had turned their back on Him. They had forsaken God and foolishly, wickedly and went after false idols. God was incredibly patient for a time, but His patience would eventually run out on His disobedient people. He told them that if they turned their back on Him and pursued other gods, He would remove them from the land. Obviously, the people didn’t really believe Him. And one of the things that bolstered their unbelief was the fact that God in His patience had not yet brought judgment for their sin. Because judgment was mercifully delayed, the people erroneously thought judgment was not coming.
There is a great verse in the book of Ecclesiastes that says, “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil” (Ecclesiastes 8:11). When you don’t see God respond in judgment, you might think you can do whatever you want and nothing will happen to you. But as someone has well said, “The wheels of God’s justice grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine.” You can’t just blow God off and expect there to be no consequences for your actions. God basically told them, “Listen, if you will walk with Me, I’ll bless you. But if you disobey Me, and put Me in your rear view mirror and go on down the road to worship other gods and follow after success and pleasure, you’re going to have consequences, serious consequences.” And so, Nehemiah was praying about the consequences that befell the people. But he had not yet been born when all that happened 141 years previously. He had nothing to do with the destruction of Jerusalem. Yet he confesses his sin and the sins of his people. Do you know what that tells me about Nehemiah? He was sensitive to God and sensitive to the sin in his own life. You will never get to first base in prayer with God if you don’t confess your sin to Him. “God is light,” the Bible says, “and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).
There is a great verse in the book of Ecclesiastes that says, “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil” (Ecclesiastes 8:11). When you don’t see God respond in judgment, you might think you can do whatever you want and nothing will happen to you. But as someone has well said, “The wheels of God’s justice grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine.” You can’t just blow God off and expect there to be no consequences for your actions. God basically told them, “Listen, if you will walk with Me, I’ll bless you. But if you disobey Me, and put Me in your rear view mirror and go on down the road to worship other gods and follow after success and pleasure, you’re going to have consequences, serious consequences.” And so, Nehemiah was praying about the consequences that befell the people. But he had not yet been born when all that happened 141 years previously. He had nothing to do with the destruction of Jerusalem. Yet he confesses his sin and the sins of his people. Do you know what that tells me about Nehemiah? He was sensitive to God and sensitive to the sin in his own life. You will never get to first base in prayer with God if you don’t confess your sin to Him. “God is light,” the Bible says, “and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).
If you think you can leisurely come to the presence of God while holding on to the darkness of your sin and expect God to hear your prayer, we are mistaken. The psalmist said, “If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Psalm 66:18). If I’m walking in the darkness, and I’m not willing to confess my sin—whether it be pride, jealousy, bitterness, lust, or anything else that doesn’t please Him—then He won’t hear my prayer. I can’t hold on to those wicked things and think I can walk into His presence for a chat. You have to confess those sins, cast them down and get them out of your life.
If you think you can leisurely come to the presence of God while holding on to the darkness of your sin and expect God to hear your prayer, we are mistaken. The psalmist said, “If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Psalm 66:18). If I’m walking in the darkness, and I’m not willing to confess my sin—whether it be pride, jealousy, bitterness, lust, or anything else that doesn’t please Him—then He won’t hear my prayer. I can’t hold on to those wicked things and think I can walk into His presence for a chat. You have to confess those sins, cast them down and get them out of your life.
Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector Do you remember the story Jesus told about the Pharisee and the tax collector who went up to the temple to pray? The Pharisee prayed to himself and never confessed anything. He thanked God for not making him like the rotten tax collector. Little did he know that HE was the stinker! The Pharisee thought that doing “good” things—fasting twice a week, paying tithes— made him pleasing in God’s sight. No way! What pleased God was the heart of the tax collector, who realized his sin, fell on his knees and beat his breast in repentance and godly sorrow. He couldn’t even lift his eyes to heaven, but prayed, “God, have mercy on me, the sinner” (Luke 18:13). God heard that prayer because it was prayed from a humble, contrite heart.
Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector Do you remember the story Jesus told about the Pharisee and the tax collector who went up to the temple to pray? The Pharisee prayed to himself and never confessed anything. He thanked God for not making him like the rotten tax collector. Little did he know that HE was the stinker! The Pharisee thought that doing “good” things—fasting twice a week, paying tithes— made him pleasing in God’s sight. No way! What pleased God was the heart of the tax collector, who realized his sin, fell on his knees and beat his breast in repentance and godly sorrow. He couldn’t even lift his eyes to heaven, but prayed, “God, have mercy on me, the sinner” (Luke 18:13). God heard that prayer because it was prayed from a humble, contrite heart.
If you need help with a prayer of confession, Psalm 139:23-24 is especially good to pray: “Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”
If you need help with a prayer of confession, Psalm 139:23-24 is especially good to pray: “Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”
As God reveals things in your life that are displeasing to Him, get those out in the open and under His blood. He really is “good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call” upon Him (Psalm 86:5).
As God reveals things in your life that are displeasing to Him, get those out in the open and under His blood. He really is “good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call” upon Him (Psalm 86:5).
INSIGHT #3: Prayer incorporates the Word of God. Nehemiah has praised the Lord, confessed his sin, and now in verse 8 of this same chapter he says, “Remember the word which You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples; but if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though those of you who have been scattered were in the most remote part of the heavens, I will gather them from there and will bring them to the place where I have chosen to cause My name to dwell.’ And they are Your servants and Your people whom You redeemed by Your power and by Your strong hand” (Nehemiah 1:8-10).
INSIGHT #3: Prayer incorporates the Word of God. Nehemiah has praised the Lord, confessed his sin, and now in verse 8 of this same chapter he says, “Remember the word which You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples; but if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though those of you who have been scattered were in the most remote part of the heavens, I will gather them from there and will bring them to the place where I have chosen to cause My name to dwell.’ And they are Your servants and Your people whom You redeemed by Your power and by Your strong hand” (Nehemiah 1:8-10).
Do you see it? Nehemiah reminds God of what He said and promised. That is a critical aspect of effective prayer. Knowing God’s Word, Oftentimes people talk about the difficulty they have with prayer. “I don’t really know what to say to God,” they will lament. Let me ask you: How can we know what to pray? How can we pray without our prayers sounding mundane, routine and repetitive? The answer is to incorporate the Word of God in your prayers.
Do you see it? Nehemiah reminds God of what He said and promised. That is a critical aspect of effective prayer. Knowing God’s Word, Oftentimes people talk about the difficulty they have with prayer. “I don’t really know what to say to God,” they will lament. Let me ask you: How can we know what to pray? How can we pray without our prayers sounding mundane, routine and repetitive? The answer is to incorporate the Word of God in your prayers.
Nehemiah knew God’s promises. He knew from the book of Deuteronomy that God said, “Return to the LORD your God and obey Him with all your heart and soul according to all that I command you today, you and your sons, then the LORD your God will restore you from captivity, and have compassion on you, and will gather you again from all the peoples where the LORD your God has scattered you” (Deuteronomy 30:2,3). Nehemiah simply prayed God’s Word back to Him. He said to God, “Lord, remember what You said, remember what You promised?” God loves it when we do that.
Nehemiah knew God’s promises. He knew from the book of Deuteronomy that God said, “Return to the LORD your God and obey Him with all your heart and soul according to all that I command you today, you and your sons, then the LORD your God will restore you from captivity, and have compassion on you, and will gather you again from all the peoples where the LORD your God has scattered you” (Deuteronomy 30:2,3). Nehemiah simply prayed God’s Word back to Him. He said to God, “Lord, remember what You said, remember what You promised?” God loves it when we do that.
Now, just to be clear, don’t ever get the idea that God needs to be reminded because He has forgotten. He hasn’t. He knows everything about everything. But God loves it when we remind Him of what He has said. He loves it when you and I take one of His promises and cling to it.
Now, just to be clear, don’t ever get the idea that God needs to be reminded because He has forgotten. He hasn’t. He knows everything about everything. But God loves it when we remind Him of what He has said. He loves it when you and I take one of His promises and cling to it.
The Bible says in Acts chapter 2, verse 39: “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” The Bible is filled with God’s promises ... and they are for you! God wants you to cling to those promises and pray them back to Him.
The Bible says in Acts chapter 2, verse 39: “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” The Bible is filled with God’s promises ... and they are for you! God wants you to cling to those promises and pray them back to Him.
Have you ever heard the Christian phrase “name it and claim it”? It is often used when discussing the issue of prayer. Some Christians believe that if you have enough faith, you can name your blessing and claim your blessing. You can pray for what your heart desires, claim it in Jesus’ name … and it’s yours! Does the Bible teach “name it and claim it”?
Have you ever heard the Christian phrase “name it and claim it”? It is often used when discussing the issue of prayer. Some Christians believe that if you have enough faith, you can name your blessing and claim your blessing. You can pray for what your heart desires, claim it in Jesus’ name … and it’s yours! Does the Bible teach “name it and claim it”?
No. Prayer is not the means by which our will gets accomplished. Prayer is rooted in the will of God. Now don’t miss this point! The Bible doesn’t teach “name it and claim it.” The Bible teaches “find it and claim it.” Find a promise in the Word of God— something that God has clearly named—and claim that promise.
No. Prayer is not the means by which our will gets accomplished. Prayer is rooted in the will of God. Now don’t miss this point! The Bible doesn’t teach “name it and claim it.” The Bible teaches “find it and claim it.” Find a promise in the Word of God— something that God has clearly named—and claim that promise.
INSIGHT #4: Prayer asks God for great things. Nehemiah is praying, but he hasn’t asked God for anything yet. Up until now in his prayer, he has: praised Him, confessed sin, and reminded God what He had promised. And then Nehemiah says in verse 11: “O Lord, I beseech You, may Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name, and [here is his request] make Your servant successful today and grant him compassion [favor] before this man” (Nehemiah 1:10). “This man” that he referred to was King Artaxerxes, the Ruler of Persia for whom he served as a cupbearer. Nehemiah’s request was that God would grant him success, advance him, prosper him, and help him find favor and compassion in the eyes of his boss, the king.
INSIGHT #4: Prayer asks God for great things. Nehemiah is praying, but he hasn’t asked God for anything yet. Up until now in his prayer, he has: praised Him, confessed sin, and reminded God what He had promised. And then Nehemiah says in verse 11: “O Lord, I beseech You, may Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name, and [here is his request] make Your servant successful today and grant him compassion [favor] before this man” (Nehemiah 1:10). “This man” that he referred to was King Artaxerxes, the Ruler of Persia for whom he served as a cupbearer. Nehemiah’s request was that God would grant him success, advance him, prosper him, and help him find favor and compassion in the eyes of his boss, the king.
Nehemiah desperately needs Artaxerxes’ favor in order to do what God had put into his heart to do—to go back to Jerusalem, rebuild the walls, and restore the gates. He can’t do that without the power and authority of the king, allowing him to go, and opening doors for him along the way. Unless God gives Nehemiah compassion before Artaxerxes, the rebuilding of the wall project is not going to get to first base. Remember that Nehemiah is a Jewish slave who was working, basically, as a butler for the king. As I mentioned earlier, it was a good job with lots of perks: great food, royal accommodations and, the most strategic part, access to the king— albeit as a servant/master relationship, but access nonetheless. And Nehemiah is praying that God does a big miracle and grants him tremendous favor in the eyes of Artaxerxes so that the costly things Nehemiah needs will be approved and granted. On paper, it looked impossible—a pagan king helping a Jewish slave, at great kingdom expense, to rebuild the broken walls of a destroyed city the Persians couldn’t give a rip about.
Nehemiah desperately needs Artaxerxes’ favor in order to do what God had put into his heart to do—to go back to Jerusalem, rebuild the walls, and restore the gates. He can’t do that without the power and authority of the king, allowing him to go, and opening doors for him along the way. Unless God gives Nehemiah compassion before Artaxerxes, the rebuilding of the wall project is not going to get to first base. Remember that Nehemiah is a Jewish slave who was working, basically, as a butler for the king. As I mentioned earlier, it was a good job with lots of perks: great food, royal accommodations and, the most strategic part, access to the king— albeit as a servant/master relationship, but access nonetheless. And Nehemiah is praying that God does a big miracle and grants him tremendous favor in the eyes of Artaxerxes so that the costly things Nehemiah needs will be approved and granted. On paper, it looked impossible—a pagan king helping a Jewish slave, at great kingdom expense, to rebuild the broken walls of a destroyed city the Persians couldn’t give a rip about.
But Nehemiah knew that God is the God of the impossible … so he prays big, really big! Do you know what that says to you and me? Pray big too! God is a big God, so pray great big prayers! William Carey, the renowned missionary who started a mission work in India in the late 1700s, is famous for this statement: “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” Attempt big things and have big dreams … because God is a big God.
But Nehemiah knew that God is the God of the impossible … so he prays big, really big! Do you know what that says to you and me? Pray big too! God is a big God, so pray great big prayers! William Carey, the renowned missionary who started a mission work in India in the late 1700s, is famous for this statement: “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” Attempt big things and have big dreams … because God is a big God.
One of my favorite Scriptures in the Bible says, “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
One of my favorite Scriptures in the Bible says, “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
God can do more than you ask and more than you think, so ask big and pray big. Why? Because nothing is big to the God who created the universe. The greatest miracle Jesus ever performed, other than His own resurrection, was when He raised Lazarus from the grave. No one thought it could be done because Lazarus had been dead for four days. He was already starting to decay and stink in the tomb. But the Lord raised him up. The Lord did the impossible. And If He can speak to four-day-old dead Lazarus and raise him from the grave, think what He can do in your life, in your situation. Nehemiah prayed big when he asked God to grant him compassion before the king and create a scenario in which Nehemiah could ask Artaxerxes for the moon. So pray big!
God can do more than you ask and more than you think, so ask big and pray big. Why? Because nothing is big to the God who created the universe. The greatest miracle Jesus ever performed, other than His own resurrection, was when He raised Lazarus from the grave. No one thought it could be done because Lazarus had been dead for four days. He was already starting to decay and stink in the tomb. But the Lord raised him up. The Lord did the impossible. And If He can speak to four-day-old dead Lazarus and raise him from the grave, think what He can do in your life, in your situation. Nehemiah prayed big when he asked God to grant him compassion before the king and create a scenario in which Nehemiah could ask Artaxerxes for the moon. So pray big!
INSIGHT #5: Prayer doesn’t give up. Continuing in Nehemiah chapter 2:1, we read these words, “And it came about in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes ...” The month Nisan is April (about 445 B.C.). In chapter one, Nehemiah had said it was the month Chislev. Chislev is the month we know as December. And now it is April. Months have gone by, and nothing has happened. Nehemiah has been fasting, mourning, and praying day and night, but nothing has happened! But he keeps praying and praying. “Lord, I heard the news in December, and I was weeping my eyes out and fasting, mourning, and praying day and night. And now it’s April, and I haven’t seen anything change. I’ve been praying that You would grant me favor in the heart of the king, but I haven’t seen any change.” But he kept praying. Aren’t you glad he didn’t give up in March and say, “Obviously, this isn’t going to happen. God is not going to answer this prayer. This is futile ... and I quit!” Ask, Seek, Knock In Luke 18, Jesus exhorted his disciples to always pray and never give up. When you and I are praying hard but seeing no results, the great tendency is for us to quit in discouragement and frustration. We often say, “What’s the use? Nothing is happening. I’m just wasting my time by continuing to pray!” No, you’re not! When the going gets hard in prayer, keep praying. When you can’t see any progress, keep praying! Jesus said, “Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you” (Luke 11:9 AMP). Persistence in prayer pays! If you ask and keep asking, there will be an answer at the proper time. If you seek and keep seeking, that door is going to open. If you knock and keep knocking, God will respond. He promises to do so. The late Dr. Jerry Falwell was famous for saying, “It’s always too early to quit.”
INSIGHT #5: Prayer doesn’t give up. Continuing in Nehemiah chapter 2:1, we read these words, “And it came about in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes ...” The month Nisan is April (about 445 B.C.). In chapter one, Nehemiah had said it was the month Chislev. Chislev is the month we know as December. And now it is April. Months have gone by, and nothing has happened. Nehemiah has been fasting, mourning, and praying day and night, but nothing has happened! But he keeps praying and praying. “Lord, I heard the news in December, and I was weeping my eyes out and fasting, mourning, and praying day and night. And now it’s April, and I haven’t seen anything change. I’ve been praying that You would grant me favor in the heart of the king, but I haven’t seen any change.” But he kept praying. Aren’t you glad he didn’t give up in March and say, “Obviously, this isn’t going to happen. God is not going to answer this prayer. This is futile ... and I quit!” Ask, Seek, Knock In Luke 18, Jesus exhorted his disciples to always pray and never give up. When you and I are praying hard but seeing no results, the great tendency is for us to quit in discouragement and frustration. We often say, “What’s the use? Nothing is happening. I’m just wasting my time by continuing to pray!” No, you’re not! When the going gets hard in prayer, keep praying. When you can’t see any progress, keep praying! Jesus said, “Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you” (Luke 11:9 AMP). Persistence in prayer pays! If you ask and keep asking, there will be an answer at the proper time. If you seek and keep seeking, that door is going to open. If you knock and keep knocking, God will respond. He promises to do so. The late Dr. Jerry Falwell was famous for saying, “It’s always too early to quit.”
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). Are you delighting yourself in the Lord? Are you making yourself soft and pliable in God’s hands? (That is what the word delight really means.) While Nehemiah was praying for favor and compassion before Artaxerxes, God was at work. He was softening and preparing Artaxerxes’ heart. Could Nehemiah see any of that? No. God was working in direct response to Nehemiah’s prayer, but all the work was done in secret, behind the scenes. Nehemiah wasn’t privy to the progress. He just knew to pray and not quit. If Only God Sent Text Messages, Have you ever prayed for God to reveal His specific will for you? Maybe you have a job opportunity in two different cities, or you are wondering if you should marry the person you are dating. You desire to know God’s will and do His will, so you pray and ask Him to give you wisdom and guidance. Yet, His answer regarding what you are supposed to do seems to get delayed. What’s up with that? Wouldn’t it be great if you prayed and instantly received a text message from God that said, “Take the job in this city … don’t marry this guy/girl.” Wouldn’t that be great, an instant text message from God, so you could always know His will and do it? That sounds like a good plan, but the truth of the matter is that God doesn’t work that way. Why not? God doesn’t reveal His will that way because that would bypass the real purpose of prayer: to spend time with God. God’s goal is not to give you goodies; it’s to build an intimate relationship with you. God wants you to spend time with Him, share your heart, hear from Him, and be in His presence. And even when you are doing those things, He often doesn’t tell you the answer right away. Why? Because He wants you to grow. As you spend time with God, you get close to Him. “As for me,” the psalmist said, “the nearness of God is my good …” (Psalm 73:28). So remember when you’re praying for something and it hasn’t happened yet, don’t get frustrated and throw in the towel. Just realize that God is working in ways you cannot see. He wants you to keep coming to Him because He loves you and desires to spend time with you. Don’t give up. Keep praying and seeking Him. It’s always too early to quit!
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). Are you delighting yourself in the Lord? Are you making yourself soft and pliable in God’s hands? (That is what the word delight really means.) While Nehemiah was praying for favor and compassion before Artaxerxes, God was at work. He was softening and preparing Artaxerxes’ heart. Could Nehemiah see any of that? No. God was working in direct response to Nehemiah’s prayer, but all the work was done in secret, behind the scenes. Nehemiah wasn’t privy to the progress. He just knew to pray and not quit. If Only God Sent Text Messages, Have you ever prayed for God to reveal His specific will for you? Maybe you have a job opportunity in two different cities, or you are wondering if you should marry the person you are dating. You desire to know God’s will and do His will, so you pray and ask Him to give you wisdom and guidance. Yet, His answer regarding what you are supposed to do seems to get delayed. What’s up with that? Wouldn’t it be great if you prayed and instantly received a text message from God that said, “Take the job in this city … don’t marry this guy/girl.” Wouldn’t that be great, an instant text message from God, so you could always know His will and do it? That sounds like a good plan, but the truth of the matter is that God doesn’t work that way. Why not? God doesn’t reveal His will that way because that would bypass the real purpose of prayer: to spend time with God. God’s goal is not to give you goodies; it’s to build an intimate relationship with you. God wants you to spend time with Him, share your heart, hear from Him, and be in His presence. And even when you are doing those things, He often doesn’t tell you the answer right away. Why? Because He wants you to grow. As you spend time with God, you get close to Him. “As for me,” the psalmist said, “the nearness of God is my good …” (Psalm 73:28). So remember when you’re praying for something and it hasn’t happened yet, don’t get frustrated and throw in the towel. Just realize that God is working in ways you cannot see. He wants you to keep coming to Him because He loves you and desires to spend time with you. Don’t give up. Keep praying and seeking Him. It’s always too early to quit!
The Time is Right Nehemiah chapter 2: “It came about in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, that wine was before him, and I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. So the king said to me, ‘Why is your face sad, though you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.’ Then I was very much afraid” (Nehemiah 2:1-2). It was a serious breach of etiquette to show a sad face before the king. He did not allow his servants to cast a negative, blue mood on his palace gaiety. If you were a butler who rained on the king’s parade, you would probably need to prepare your last will and testament. So, when Artaxerxes said, “Why is your face sad, though you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart,” Nehemiah was greatly afraid. Artaxerxes could have killed him for being sad in his presence. This is just a side note, but isn’t it encouraging that even a man of God like Nehemiah, who did great and awesome things for the Lord, got afraid? If you get afraid, you are not alone.
The Time is Right Nehemiah chapter 2: “It came about in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, that wine was before him, and I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. So the king said to me, ‘Why is your face sad, though you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.’ Then I was very much afraid” (Nehemiah 2:1-2). It was a serious breach of etiquette to show a sad face before the king. He did not allow his servants to cast a negative, blue mood on his palace gaiety. If you were a butler who rained on the king’s parade, you would probably need to prepare your last will and testament. So, when Artaxerxes said, “Why is your face sad, though you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart,” Nehemiah was greatly afraid. Artaxerxes could have killed him for being sad in his presence. This is just a side note, but isn’t it encouraging that even a man of God like Nehemiah, who did great and awesome things for the Lord, got afraid? If you get afraid, you are not alone.
Fear is something we all face, no matter how godly we may be. Do you know why the Bible has so many “Fear nots” in it? God says, “Fear not,” over and over again because we are afraid so often, even though there is no need to fear when you are walking with Jesus. Nehemiah was afraid, and he responds to the king in verse 3: “I said to the king, ‘Let the king live forever.’” He wanted the king to know his sadness was not about him. Nehemiah liked his job and his boss … and his life! “‘Why should my face not be sad when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs lies desolate and its gates have been consumed by fire?’ Then the king said to me, ‘What would you request?’” (Nehemiah 2:3-4). See, God has been working on the king. Proverbs tells us that “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord. He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1). Nehemiah was praying to the God who could change the king’s heart. And the king asked him, “What would you request?” Artaxerxes is not going to kill him for being sad; he is going to hear him out. God has ordained the proper time for Nehemiah to share his needs with the king ... and the time is now. Verse 4 says, “So I prayed to the God of heaven.”
Fear is something we all face, no matter how godly we may be. Do you know why the Bible has so many “Fear nots” in it? God says, “Fear not,” over and over again because we are afraid so often, even though there is no need to fear when you are walking with Jesus. Nehemiah was afraid, and he responds to the king in verse 3: “I said to the king, ‘Let the king live forever.’” He wanted the king to know his sadness was not about him. Nehemiah liked his job and his boss … and his life! “‘Why should my face not be sad when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs lies desolate and its gates have been consumed by fire?’ Then the king said to me, ‘What would you request?’” (Nehemiah 2:3-4). See, God has been working on the king. Proverbs tells us that “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord. He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1). Nehemiah was praying to the God who could change the king’s heart. And the king asked him, “What would you request?” Artaxerxes is not going to kill him for being sad; he is going to hear him out. God has ordained the proper time for Nehemiah to share his needs with the king ... and the time is now. Verse 4 says, “So I prayed to the God of heaven.”
INSIGHT #6: Prayer can be short at times, if it is not short every time. Nehemiah prayed in response to the king’s question. Now how do you think he prayed to the God of heaven? Do you think he said, “Hold on, king. I’m going over to my prayer closet to pray. I’ll be back in thirty minutes to give you my answer.” No! He prayed right then. I think he prayed something like, “God, help me!” Have you ever prayed that prayer? “God, help me!” It’s a short, right-to-the-point type of prayer.
INSIGHT #6: Prayer can be short at times, if it is not short every time. Nehemiah prayed in response to the king’s question. Now how do you think he prayed to the God of heaven? Do you think he said, “Hold on, king. I’m going over to my prayer closet to pray. I’ll be back in thirty minutes to give you my answer.” No! He prayed right then. I think he prayed something like, “God, help me!” Have you ever prayed that prayer? “God, help me!” It’s a short, right-to-the-point type of prayer.
Here is the truth to remember: It’s okay to pray short prayers ... as long as that’s not the extent of your prayer life. You can pray short prayers with effectiveness, but you can’t live on short prayers. If your prayer life consists only of emergency, 911, “help me” prayers to God, there is nothing in the prayer bank to back up that short prayer. Nehemiah had been praying night and day and day and night for months, and there was lots in the prayer bank that he had deposited in heaven.
Here is the truth to remember: It’s okay to pray short prayers ... as long as that’s not the extent of your prayer life. You can pray short prayers with effectiveness, but you can’t live on short prayers. If your prayer life consists only of emergency, 911, “help me” prayers to God, there is nothing in the prayer bank to back up that short prayer. Nehemiah had been praying night and day and day and night for months, and there was lots in the prayer bank that he had deposited in heaven.
That is how Nehemiah prayed. At the end of verse 4 where it says, “Then the king said to me, ‘What would you request?’ So I prayed to the God of heaven…” I wrote in my Bible, “It’s go time!” All that Nehemiah had been praying for was about to be realized. “God, Artaxerxes is giving me an open door to share. You can open up this situation for me to go back to Jerusalem or shut it right now. God, it’s go time. It’s my interview with the king. It is what I have been praying about for months. This is my opportunity. And it’s either going to be yes or no. So, God, please help me!” The Big Ask Verse 5: “And I said to the king, ‘If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor before you, send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it’” (Nehemiah 2:5). Nehemiah starts his big “ask.” One of the things that he did was to ask if he had found favor in the king’s sight. King, have I been a good worker? Have you been impressed with my work ethic? Nehemiah had a testimony on the job to back up the request that he was about to make, an amazing request to the king.
That is how Nehemiah prayed. At the end of verse 4 where it says, “Then the king said to me, ‘What would you request?’ So I prayed to the God of heaven…” I wrote in my Bible, “It’s go time!” All that Nehemiah had been praying for was about to be realized. “God, Artaxerxes is giving me an open door to share. You can open up this situation for me to go back to Jerusalem or shut it right now. God, it’s go time. It’s my interview with the king. It is what I have been praying about for months. This is my opportunity. And it’s either going to be yes or no. So, God, please help me!” The Big Ask Verse 5: “And I said to the king, ‘If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor before you, send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it’” (Nehemiah 2:5). Nehemiah starts his big “ask.” One of the things that he did was to ask if he had found favor in the king’s sight. King, have I been a good worker? Have you been impressed with my work ethic? Nehemiah had a testimony on the job to back up the request that he was about to make, an amazing request to the king.
He says, “…send me to Judah (remember, king, that place you don’t like?) to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuilt it” (Nehemiah 2:5) Now what makes this amazing is that thirteen years earlier, we find out in the book of Ezra that King Artaxerxes had set a decree to not rebuild the walls in Jerusalem. So Nehemiah is basically saying, “This is what I want you to do. I want you to send me to Judah, and I want you to reverse your Middle-Eastern policy about not rebuilding the walls, and let me rebuild them.” Don’t forget: this is the lowly butler asking of the mighty king. It’s a huge request. Then we see in verse 6: “The king said to him, the queen sitting beside him, ‘How long will your journey be, and when will you return?’ So it pleased the king to send me, and I gave him a definite time. And I said to the king, ‘If it pleases the king, let letters be given me, for the governors of the provinces beyond the river, that they may allow me to pass through until I come to Judah, and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress which is by the temple, for the wall of the city, and for the house to which I will go” (Nehemiah 2:6-8). What is Nehemiah asking for? “Hey, king, I want you to reverse your Middle-Eastern policy and let me rebuild, and I want you to let me go.” Do you know how long he was gone? Twelve years! Can you imagine telling your boss that you need twelve years off from work? That’s pretty amazing, isn’t it? He rebuilt the wall in fifty two days, but then he served as governor there in Jerusalem for twelve years. He was gone for a long time. And then Nehemiah says, “Oh, and one other thing. I need you to pay for it all because I don’t have any money.” That’s what he asked the king. “Reverse your policy. Let me be gone for twelve years. And underwrite all this stuff. That’s my request.” Wow! You can see why I call it “the big ask.”
He says, “…send me to Judah (remember, king, that place you don’t like?) to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuilt it” (Nehemiah 2:5) Now what makes this amazing is that thirteen years earlier, we find out in the book of Ezra that King Artaxerxes had set a decree to not rebuild the walls in Jerusalem. So Nehemiah is basically saying, “This is what I want you to do. I want you to send me to Judah, and I want you to reverse your Middle-Eastern policy about not rebuilding the walls, and let me rebuild them.” Don’t forget: this is the lowly butler asking of the mighty king. It’s a huge request. Then we see in verse 6: “The king said to him, the queen sitting beside him, ‘How long will your journey be, and when will you return?’ So it pleased the king to send me, and I gave him a definite time. And I said to the king, ‘If it pleases the king, let letters be given me, for the governors of the provinces beyond the river, that they may allow me to pass through until I come to Judah, and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress which is by the temple, for the wall of the city, and for the house to which I will go” (Nehemiah 2:6-8). What is Nehemiah asking for? “Hey, king, I want you to reverse your Middle-Eastern policy and let me rebuild, and I want you to let me go.” Do you know how long he was gone? Twelve years! Can you imagine telling your boss that you need twelve years off from work? That’s pretty amazing, isn’t it? He rebuilt the wall in fifty two days, but then he served as governor there in Jerusalem for twelve years. He was gone for a long time. And then Nehemiah says, “Oh, and one other thing. I need you to pay for it all because I don’t have any money.” That’s what he asked the king. “Reverse your policy. Let me be gone for twelve years. And underwrite all this stuff. That’s my request.” Wow! You can see why I call it “the big ask.”
INSIGHT #7: Prayer needs to be coupled with plans. Nehemiah didn’t just pray. He prayed and planned together. He asked God, “Show me. Lord, work things out and show me what to say and do.” When the king asked him specific questions, he was able to answer. “What do you want me to do for you?” “Boom, this is what I want you to do.” “How long are you going to be gone?”
INSIGHT #7: Prayer needs to be coupled with plans. Nehemiah didn’t just pray. He prayed and planned together. He asked God, “Show me. Lord, work things out and show me what to say and do.” When the king asked him specific questions, he was able to answer. “What do you want me to do for you?” “Boom, this is what I want you to do.” “How long are you going to be gone?”
“Boom, this is how long I’m going to be gone.” “And, by the way, king, I need this and this and this.” He was planned out. Nehemiah was a great leader because he prayed with a pen. And as he prayed, God would put things on his heart. No doubt God said, “Hey, you know, you’re going to need some timber. Find out who runs the king’s forest.” So he found out the guy’s name, Asaph. He could call him by name. That surely impressed the king. The king is thinking, How does my butler know about Asaph? Nehemiah did his homework. He knew what he needed. What is really cool is that he asked for those huge things, and the king not only gave him the letters he needed, but he also gave him “officers of the army and horsemen” (verse 9). He gave him even more than what he asked for ... and he asked for a lot! Nehemiah didn’t even ask for the soldiers’ protection, but God put it in Artaxerxes’ mind to provide them for him. Isn’t that just the way God is? If you ask Him for big things, He gives you even more because He’s a great and awesome God. “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20). God is Good Why did Artaxerxes grant Nehemiah’s request? What was the secret? Nehemiah 2:8 tells us: “And the king granted them to me because the good hand of my God was on me.” God’s favor was on Nehemiah. God was working on King Artaxerxes’ heart because His good hand was on this faithful, praying butler. Never forget that God has a good hand. He is a good God who is worthy to be praised and trusted. And as a good God and Father, He longs to spend time with you and work miracles in and through you as you pray.
“Boom, this is how long I’m going to be gone.” “And, by the way, king, I need this and this and this.” He was planned out. Nehemiah was a great leader because he prayed with a pen. And as he prayed, God would put things on his heart. No doubt God said, “Hey, you know, you’re going to need some timber. Find out who runs the king’s forest.” So he found out the guy’s name, Asaph. He could call him by name. That surely impressed the king. The king is thinking, How does my butler know about Asaph? Nehemiah did his homework. He knew what he needed. What is really cool is that he asked for those huge things, and the king not only gave him the letters he needed, but he also gave him “officers of the army and horsemen” (verse 9). He gave him even more than what he asked for ... and he asked for a lot! Nehemiah didn’t even ask for the soldiers’ protection, but God put it in Artaxerxes’ mind to provide them for him. Isn’t that just the way God is? If you ask Him for big things, He gives you even more because He’s a great and awesome God. “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20). God is Good Why did Artaxerxes grant Nehemiah’s request? What was the secret? Nehemiah 2:8 tells us: “And the king granted them to me because the good hand of my God was on me.” God’s favor was on Nehemiah. God was working on King Artaxerxes’ heart because His good hand was on this faithful, praying butler. Never forget that God has a good hand. He is a good God who is worthy to be praised and trusted. And as a good God and Father, He longs to spend time with you and work miracles in and through you as you pray.
He is calling you to the throne room to hang out with Him. He will spend as much time with you as you want … no time limit. He wants you to get to know Him better and better. How do you do that? You do that through prayer! As we have learned from the life of Nehemiah, prayer is the means by which we fellowship with God so that we can know His heart and know and do His will. It is the means by which we communicate with Him, sharing our needs, our heart, our all. Don’t forget. God is a good God and He only wants the best for us.
He is calling you to the throne room to hang out with Him. He will spend as much time with you as you want … no time limit. He wants you to get to know Him better and better. How do you do that? You do that through prayer! As we have learned from the life of Nehemiah, prayer is the means by which we fellowship with God so that we can know His heart and know and do His will. It is the means by which we communicate with Him, sharing our needs, our heart, our all. Don’t forget. God is a good God and He only wants the best for us.
My hope and prayer is that all of us will now pray big and expect God to grant you the desires of your heart, as you surrender your heart to His will. When you do that, you will grow in your relationship with Jesus, and you will see Him do amazing things, just like He said He would. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” .
My hope and prayer is that all of us will now pray big and expect God to grant you the desires of your heart, as you surrender your heart to His will. When you do that, you will grow in your relationship with Jesus, and you will see Him do amazing things, just like He said He would. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” .
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