4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” (Nehemiah 2:4 – 5)
Theme: If not You, then Who?
The results of the Prayer poll are in and 60% of you normally maintain an ongoing dialogue with God throughout the day, 20% of you normally follow a schedule and the remaining 20% didn’t think that any of the categories provided described their prayer habits. I am very grateful for all the responses and my prayer is that wherever each of you are, you keep growing.
As we conclude our review of the Discipline of Prayer, Nehemiah provides a particular lesson that we can all benefit from. While working for God, how diligently do we “check-in” with Him? Today’s passage demonstrates how much Nehemiah relied on God.
If we reflect on the passage we studied yesterday, we will recall that Nehemiah literally had spent months praying about the wall before getting the chance to talk to King Artaxerxes. Despite spending all that time in preparatory prayer, when Nehemiah stands before the king and is asked “What is it you want?”, it is interesting what he does. The Bible describes Nehemiah’s immediate action as follows: “Then I prayed to the God of heaven”. What a powerful picture of faith and reliance.
Questions
- Since God already knows what we need before we ask, why is Nehemiah’s approach to prayer important?
- How does it make you feel to know that God is always available?
March 3, 2021 at 5:32 am
Nehemiah’s approach to prayer is important because it reminds us that we should pray to God before we do certain things. It’s in essence, consulting with God and getting His approval before moving forward with our plans, or praying to God then making sure what we do is pleasing in this sight, or praying to God and allowing Him to guide us through our plans.
It is very comforting to know God is always available. When we start to stress about something, reminding ourselves that God is always available, should bring us peace.
March 3, 2021 at 7:15 am
Nehemiah’s approach to prayer indicates his persuasion that God will indeed hear when his people call upon him. On the occasion before the King he wants God to guide him in articulating the ideas he has be contemplating and asking for the approval of the king.
• How does it make you feel to know that God is always available?
This is one of the most encouraging realities that every believer can know.
March 3, 2021 at 7:21 am
Since God already knows what we need before we ask, why is Nehemiah’s approach to prayer important?
To find out what we need! He is an infinitely better guide to that than we are! Nehemiah recognises this and walks in the truth that he is never alone, that God is with him, that he is in partnership with the sovereign Lord. We miss this, oh so often.
How does it make you feel to know that God is always available?
This is both immensely comforting and convicting. I need to more consistently take advantage of this truth, and, per David, ensure that “my hope is in You all day long.”
March 3, 2021 at 7:50 am
Nehemiah’s approach to prayer is encouraging. It shows how important prayer is, and that when we pray it is crucial to understand that God will answer prayers according to His will, and that as a sovereign God, he surely knows what is best for us. He answers prayer in His perfect time.
Knowing that God is always available reassures me of His provisions, love, and grace. I know I can rely on Him all the time and His blessings and mercy are bountiful.
March 3, 2021 at 8:26 am
When I’m going on a trip home although I know the directions I’ll check in with my family. Sometimes I’ll tell them when I’ve gotten to the airport, when I’ve landed when I’ve picked up the rental car and what time I’ll meet up with them. They know I’m coming and they know I know how to get there but I want to keep them informed but also stay connected so I know if plans have changed. I think it was like that for Nehemiah.
He knew God was with Him but he wanted to check in for guidance. I am thankful God is always with me and doesn’t mind me checking in.
March 3, 2021 at 9:03 pm
Wow! Comforting that he is always there and he knows etc.
Reminds me of ” Ask and you will receive”
You have to keep the connection like one has to do with a good friend.
March 3, 2021 at 10:28 pm
He realized that despite God’s sovereignty and omniscience , he still needed to pray to God for guidance before he approached the king as his request to the king could be denied but if He sought God who rules in the affairs of all men, the king would have to “bow” to the King!
God’s availability to me all the time, is the greatest assurance that I have that He will never leave me nor forsake me.
March 4, 2021 at 5:43 am
Since God already knows our every need, ,it is important o seek him before we undertake or sett out on our mission, because situations change and God is all knowing. His Mercies are new every morning. Yesterday’s grace will not suffice for today. We must keep that channel of communication with God open , constant and current We are reassured that God is with us all the time throughout our mission so we can move forward with confidence and His Peace in the situation. Whatever the outcome we will know it is God’s will and we accept it wholeheartedly ..