What do you do when you know of a matter of concern or when you have a need? Nehemiah’s discreet reaction to the news of his people’s trouble was to go before the presence of God. He was not hasty in his action nor gave any knee-jerk reaction but he entered into a time of private persevering prayer. It is necessary to confer and consult God before taking any drastic action. There is always the temptation to react quickly but God must be consulted first in all things before man rushed into it needlessly. Nehemiah was persistent and earnest in is prayer and he recognised the sovereignty of God. Now let us consider the context and content of his prayer.

1. Acknowledging God’s faithfulness (v. 5 – 11)
With a sense of submissive awe, Nehemiah approached the sovereign God, recognising Him for His covenant keeping mercies. He exalted, worshipped and adored God for His wonderful character. He rejoiced in the holiness of God and recognised the need to obey and observe God’s commandments.
Nehemiah confessed his own sins as well s the sins of the people and asked the Lord for forgiveness. God’s love shown at Calvary is available to all who will come in repentance. He is faithful and dependable and will not go back on His word. Quiet reflection of God’s awesome character intensified Nehemiah’s awareness of unforgiven sins and the great need for pardon and repentance.

2. Looking inward with penitence in prayer (v. 6 – 7)
Nehemiah gave himself to prolonged petition and intercession day and night. When was the longest time you prayed? Nehemiah recognised his own wretchedness, sinfulness and depravity. There was sincere penitence in his heart as he looked up to heaven. Nehemiah was sensitive to the fact that Israel have offended God. We too daily offend God by our sinful thoughts, words, actions, indifference, lukewarmness, prayerlessness, impenitence, sinful pre-occupations and lack of love or zeal for Him and His work. Are we conscious of our sins? Do we daily repent and confess our sins?

3. Looking back with gratitude (v. 8 – 10)
Nehemiah did not wallow in a prolonged introspective examination of the features of God’s people but also recall what God has done in the past for them with thankfulness. He remembered the faithful deliverance of Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Be cognizant of what happened in His-story. Recognise God’s hand in it. Give thanks for it.
4. Looking forward with confidence (v. 10 – 11)
Nehemiah’s sacred contemplation took him forward into the future of service and ministry. He was not only concerned about the past and present but also how he could serve God in the future. Nehemiah desired to go personally to help his fellowmen in prayer, coupled with positive action of waiting and working. Prayer is not passive but proactive and there is human responsibility in carrying out the promises of God. What have you done in addition to your prayers?