Prayer and Action

A few days ago, I wrote about the obedience of the Israelites after their exile from and return to Jerusalem. The man who led them during this time as their governor, Nehemiah, was an incredible leader. While it's easy to focus on his actions of leading the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and gates in just a matter of 52 days, it's his prayer life that really stands out to me.

In Nehemiah 1:4, he says that "for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven," after he heard about the Jews return to Jerusalem, and the city walls and gates being destroyed. God puts a plan in Nehemiah's heart to go to Jerusalem and lead his fellow Jews in rebuilding the city walls and gates (Neh. 2:12), but he must get King Artaxerxes' permission first since he was the king's cup-bearer. Nehemiah then prays a prayer that stands as a model for our prayer life as well. I've broken it down into four sections: Adoration, Confession, Praying God's Word, and Supplication.

Adoration

"O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer. Look down and see me praying for your people Israel." (Neh. 1:5, 6)

Confession

"I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses." (Neh. 1:6, 7)

Praying God's Word

"Please remember what you told your servant Moses: 'If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.'" (Neh. 1:8, 9)

Supplication

"The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. 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." (Neh. 1:10, 11)

We tend to be good at the Supplication part of praying, but when we realize who we are praying to and tell Him who He is (Adoration), readily admit our sins (Confession), and remind God of His very own promises (Praying God's Word), our desires will begin to line up with God's desires for us.

Nehemiah prayed in all situations, when facing kings (Neh. 2:4), in the midst of mockery (Neh. 4:4, 5), and while taking action (Neh. 4:9). Let us follow his example and let prayer cover our decisions, our actions, and our lives.