Praying At The CrossroadsSample

The Prayer of Nehemiah 

Nehemiah is an incredible and unexpected story. Through these thirteen chapters God moved a third wave of his people back to inhabit Jerusalem. The residents of the city rallied together to rebuild the city’s walls in just fifty-two days. Nehemiah successfully overcame hostile opposition. In the end the city worshiped together to recognize all God had done. 

At the center of this story is one incredible man—Nehemiah. He started out as a cupbearer to the king but eventually became a construction foreman, governor, worship leader, and spiritual leader. These events provide a backdrop for Nehemiah’s prayer in chapter 1. We meet Nehemiah before all the success, and when we meet him, the situation is dire. 

Above all else, Nehemiah was a devout man of prayer. When we meet Nehemiah, he had just received a letter informing him that the walls surrounding Jerusalem were broken down. While other people were content to let the walls of Jerusalem lie in disrepair, Nehemiah was grieved to his core. In his distress He called out to the God of heaven. God heard Nehemiah’s prayer and answered him.

Looking at Nehemiah’s résumé, we must ask several questions about the way God prepared this man to lead in such complex, diverse activities.

Nehemiah gained this knowledge while serving in the throne room of the most powerful leader in the world. God’s plan, however, also required spiritual and intellectual preparation. Nehemiah responded to the situation in Jerusalem with brokenness, determined to seek the Lord, and expectantly waited for His response.

Each of us has skills and talents that are useful in a time of crisis. Perhaps you have a positive, can-do attitude; are a bright, logical thinker; are a team builder who rallies others; or are spiritually sensitive to God’s leading. We can learn from Nehemiah that when God calls on us to lead, He will use our abilities and gifts and will equip us to fulfill His purpose. 

No matter what our natural talents are, we all must lean on the Lord. Often we treat prayer as a last resort. I hope this study has convinced you that prayer is our first line of defense, just as it was for Nehemiah.