Nehemiah 2:1-8 – A Quick Prayer
It is clear from the response that Nehemiah made to the king that he had given much thought to what was needed to be done to resolve the situation in Jerusalem. As he had wept and prayed during the months since he had received the sad news he had evidently sought wisdom from God and had employed his mind to the task. However, when the opportunity arose to tell the king what was in his mind, the very first thing that he did was to pray.
This is an example of what has been called an ‘arrow prayer’. There was no time for Nehemiah to go to a quiet place to seek God’s face, right there in the presence of the king and queen, being in a situation of great fear, he quickly and silently asks God for wisdom and courage to present his request to the king. No amount of planning and forethought in the work of God can succeed without prayer, and Nehemiah was well aware of that.
There is one other very significant and vital element in this meeting between Nehemiah and the king. When the king granted his detailed request Nehemiah did not attribute success to the greatness of his plan or the high esteem in which the king held him, but to the fact that the hand of God was on him.
It is the constant teaching of Scripture that work done for God will prosper ‘not by might nor by power’ but by the Spirit of God. Zechariah 4:6 Even the very best of the servants of God are completely dependent upon the ‘good hand of the Lord’ being upon them. 1 Cor. 2:34.
Nehemiah here demonstrates the need for planning, prayer, and the presence and power of God in any work that is undertaken for the Lord.
Questions
- What is an arrow prayer?
- To whom did Nehemiah give the credit for what happened?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.