Nehemiah 2:4
"Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven."
What was the secret to Nehemiah's ability to overcome every obstacle that stood between him and completing the wall of Jerusalem? Was it his position with the king that caused him to be successful? I think not! Was it his ability to plan? I think not! Was it his ability to rally others to his cause? I think not? Was it his ability to outwit the enemy? I think not! Was it his charisma or personality? I think not! Was it his prowess to stand alone? I think not! One who wonders may come up with many good answers that may have contributed to his success, but the answer is found in the verse above when he said, "So I prayed..." This is why he found such great success in building the wall.
Nehemiah's success comes down to one thing; he prayed! Though his talent was part of the reason for his success, it was his prayer life that enhanced that talent. Though bravery was a small portion of his capability to withstand the enemy, it was his prayer life that strengthened him in times of fear. Though his position may have given him access to the king so his petition could be heard, it was his prayer life that caused God to move the heart of the king to listen. Though his leadership ability was one of the best in the Scriptures, it was his prayer life that helped to guide his leadership ability. The greatest attribute of Nehemiah was that he prayed.
Nehemiah's prayer life was more than just a repetition of a prayer list, it was a pouring out of his heart. His prayer life was more than a time that he set aside to pray. His prayer life was a part of his life. He didn't leave his prayer life in the prayer closet, but he took his prayer life with him throughout the day. At a moments notice he was praying to God for a need to be supplied. Whenever he faced any problem, he prayed. That was Nehemiah's great secret to success.
You will only be as successful as your prayer life. Yes, your talent may take you to great heights, but a prayer life will take you to greater heights. Certainly, your charisma may take you places that others would never see, but a prayer life will take you to places that you could not imagine. Without a doubt, your associations with the right people will help you obtain the resources you need, but a prayer life will supply every need when others try to cut off your resources. Your valor may help you to not flinch with the enemy's attack, but a prayer life will bring the enemy's attack to nought. Your determination may help you not quit when faced with great adversity, but your prayer life will help you to overcome all adversity.
Like Nehemiah, it should be said about you, "So, he prayed!" That is the answer to what you face today. You can try every method, philosophy and theory, but prayer is the only thing that will bring you through. I don't know what you face today, but you need to pray. You will find that the hardest thing you will accomplish in your Christian life is having a prayer life, but if you can establish one you will find God's hand will be upon you.
If there is anything I can ever motivate you to do, it would be to pray. More than anything else in the life, your prayer life will determine the degree of success you will have in the Christian life. A prayer life will not demand your time, but you must demand time to pray. Set everything else aside if you must, but pray. It is better to let other things slip, but don't ever let your prayer life slip. Let prayer be at the tip of your tongue in everything you do. Let prayer be the answer to which you run for every obstacle and problem you face.