So I Prayed
Nehemiah 2:4
"Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven."
Nehemiah is one of the great Christian leaders we read about in the Scriptures. When you look at the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah never cowered from the great task. However, one of the things that is overlooked about this great man is his prayer life. I believe the reason Nehemiah was successful in building the walls of Jerusalem was because of how he prayed. Yes, there were other characteristics that were involved in helping Nehemiah to be successful, but the greatest reason why he succeeded was because he prayed.
No Christian will ever be successful in the Christian life without a prayer life. You can try every method to be successful in the Christian life, but you will fail if you don't have a prayer life. You can try to get the greatest education in the world, but without a prayer life you will fail in the Christian life. You can know all the influential people who can help you succeed, but without a prayer life you will fail in the Christian life. You can have the greatest charisma and attitude, but without a prayer life your Christian life will fail. The Christian life will only succeed if the Christian daily spends time in prayer. You cannot do a spiritual work and succeed without getting God involved. Nehemiah recognized the importance of getting God involved in the great work of building the wall of Jerusalem, and because of this he succeeded. Let me show you some of the times when Nehemiah prayed.
First, he prayed when facing great tasks. In Nehemiah 1:11, Nehemiah prayed that God would help him as he started the endeavor to build the wall of Jerusalem. Whenever you endeavor to start something, be sure to ask God to help. You may succeed without God's help, but you will succeed in a greater way with His help. Every great work in history was bathed in prayer. I believe one of the great lacks of our day is that we don't spend time in prayer before we start an endeavor. Be sure to pray before you start your day. If you want to be successful in what you do every day, then pray.
Second, he prayed when faced with tough questions. In the verse above, the king asked Nehemiah what he wanted, and before answered he asked God for help. When people ask you questions, always whisper a prayer for God to help you answer their question correctly. I find myself asking God for wisdom many times throughout the day when I am asked a question. I'm amazed how God gives me the wisdom to give the right answer to these questions. Likewise, God has the wisdom to give you the right answers to every question that you face if you would just ask Him.
Third, he prayed when his enemies ridiculed and attacked him. When you're faced with ridicule on the job or in the school, be sure to pray and ask God for help. When others attack and try to destroy your character or work, run to God in prayer, for He is the One Who can help you through these times.
Fourth, he prayed when he needed encouragement. In Nehemiah 13:22, Nehemiah prayed when he saw that the people allowed the enemies of God to permeate their work. Christian, complaining and whining about your problems will not help you, but asking God in prayer for encouragement will. You will be amazed how God can encourage you if you will simply run to Him in prayer.
Is prayer the first thing that comes to your mind when faced with different circumstances each day? Learn to be a person who whispers a prayer to God throughout your day for help and wisdom to accomplish what you need to do. A little whispered prayer to God before you face circumstances each day will reap great benefits towards your success.