So I Prayed
Nehemiah 2:4 “Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.”
I love Nehemiah’s reaction. It is the reaction of one who believes God can answer prayer, or else why should he pray? If that had been written about me, it might read, “So I tried to work it out myself.” Maybe you can identify with that mentality as well. This week, let’s center our thoughts around those three words, “So I prayed.”
Without getting
too deep into the story, let me provide a little background. Nehemiah had heard
how his people at home were in distress and it broke his heart. He began
praying that God would help his people. Little did Nehemiah know God would use
him to do it! He sensed such a burden for the city of
It was a timely prayer. In the midst of the moment Nehemiah called on his God. Aren’t you glad you can call on Him anytime? Whether it’s in the dark of night, or the wee hours of the morning, we don’t have to wake God, but we can freely called upon Him then as we would in the noon time hour. He is always just a breath away!
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1).”
It was a truthful prayer. Nehemiah didn’t pray to a god of stone that could not see, hear or help. But he prayed to “the God of heaven.” He prayed to One who was higher and more powerful than the king before whom he stood to answer. Before Nehemiah spoke to the king, he wanted to speak to the King!
“And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments (Nehemiah 1:5).”
It was a trusting prayer. The words “so I prayed” paint for us a picture of Nehemiah casting himself upon the mercy and grace of the Almighty. He resigned himself to the will of God. Nehemiah trusted that God would do what was right with Nehemiah, His people and according to His promises. With such trust, it is no wonder we read, “So it pleased the king to send me (Nehemiah 2:6).”
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us (Ephesians 3:20).”
What could God do if we had a few godly men who would pray for our country as Nehemiah prayed for his? He could send an awakening. He could alter the course of our future, if we would just pray. No matter the situation we face this week, may we say as Nehemiah, “So I prayed.”