How Nehemiah Prayed (Nehemiah 1:5-11)
By Dennis Allan
Nehemiah was serving as cupbearer of King Artaxerxes in Persia when he received sad
news. His fellow Jews who had gone back to Judah were suffering terribly in the ruins of
Jerusalem. When he learned of the sad state of his brethren, Nehemiah mourned, fasted and
prayed. Read his prayer, recorded for us in Nehemiah 1:5-11, and observe these important
features:
- He recognized the exalted position of God (1:5). Nehemiah was approaching the Lord who
is the "Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God."
- He recognized the humbled position of Man (1:6-7). Unlike arrogant men today who act as
if they have the right to give orders to God, Nehemiah entered the presence of God with
great humility. He confessed his own sins and the sins of his people. He did not, and
could not, make demands. He was a helpless and humble supplicant, who recognized the
enormous distance between the perfect God and sinful men.
- He based his petition in the absolute faithfulness of God (1:8-10). Nehemiah did not try
to convince God to change, because God is already perfect and just. He fulfills his
promises. The suffering of the people was not a failing of God, but the result of their
own sin. This same faithfulness was the basis for Nehemiah's hope. As surely as God had
fulfilled promises to punish, he would fulfill his promises to rescue his chosen people.
- He asked in faith (1:11). Finally, Nehemiah made his request. He asked that God open a
door for him to help his brethren. He was preparing to ask the king to let him return to
Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. Nehemiah placed his confidence in the Lord who is powerful
to bless the plans of those who truly dedicate themselves to him.
We need to pray with the same humility and faith that Nehemiah displayed. We have no
right to make demands of God, but those who serve him obediently enjoy the privilege of
humbly talking to the God of heaven in prayer.
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