Does all true prayer only come when our hearts have been touched? Not necessarily, but it helps. Nehemiah 1 & 2
Nehemiah heard the bad news from one of his brothers, Hananiah, about the state of Jerusalem and it’s people and he was deeply moved;
4 When I heard these things, I SAT DOWN AND WEPT. FOR SOME DAYS I MOURNED and FASTED and PRAYED before the God of heaven.
Nehemiah heard news which disturbed him greatly, but he was cupbearer to the king of Babylon. He spent time before the Lord First! His heart had been touched, but he was a captive in a foreign land and very much needed the Lord’s help. Queen Esther and her maids also fasted and prayed to God before coming before Xerxes, another king of Babylon.
As Paul said, ‘When I am weak, then I am strong’. 2 Cor 12:10
Nehemiah was planning to undertake something very important to the Lord, where he would face much opposition. God had to be sure he wouldn’t try to go in his own strength, but in dependence on Him.
The Bible doesn’t just tell us that he prayed, but records his prayer and models for us how an earnest servant in exile approached his God.
5 Then I said:
‘Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly towards you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
8 ‘Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, “If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.”
Nehemiah confessed (said the same as God) the sins of his people and IDENTIFIED himself and his family as part of the problem. In short he humbled himself before God and took time in doing it! Then he reminded God of His own words, to Moses and asked Him to fulfill them. It’s always good to have scripture to base our prayer on and pray in line with God’s Word.
Nehemiah was still nervous going before the king, although not overawed, because he’d ended his prayer by asking for ‘Favour with this man’. He knew that God was much greater than any man, even a ruler.
‘The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven (sent up a silent prayer before speaking) and I answered the king’. Nehemiah 2:4
Nehemiah’s sincere prayers were answered, but he still had to stand before the king and make his request. He prepared his answers for the king, asking for leave to return to Jerusalem and help rebuild the city. He did all he could and trusted God to do His part. God is faithful, don’t be afraid to step out and trust Him to bless you today.