Prayer of Nehemiah

The prayer of Nehemiah is one of the strongest examples of repentance, burden, leadership, and intercession in Scripture. It teaches how to approach God when something is broken and needs restoration.

Nehemiah heard that Jerusalem's wall were broken down and the people were in distress. Instead of reacting in flesh, he first went to prayer.

He sat down and wept,

"I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days..."

Sometimes real prayer begins with burden. He felt the pain of God's people.

"...and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven."

Nehemiah did not rush to men before going to God, prayer before action brings favor after action. he worshipped God first,

"O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy..."

He began with God's greatness, not his problem. Start prayer with who God is , not just what you need.

Next, Nehemiah included himself. True intercession is humble. It doesn't blame others. Nehemiah prayed the Word back to God, he reminded God of His promise to gather His people again. Powerful prayer uses God's promises.

He asked for favor, "Prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day...," Nehemiah needed favor with the king. After worship, repentance, and alignment-ask boldly. Nehemiah is a picture of someone called to rebuild ruined places, broken family walls, broken ministry walls, broken finances, broken identity, broken cities and broken faith. Before walls rises, prayer rises.

Model Prayer Based on Nehemiah

Father in heaven, great and faithful God, I come before You. I acknowledge Your greatness and mercy. forgive my sins and the sins of my house. Remember Your promise. Look upon every broken wall in my life. Rebuild what has fallen. give me favor, wisdom, strategy, and strength. Use me to restore what has been ruined. In Jesus's name, Amen

Nehemiah 4:4

Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:

Nehemiah 4:5

And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.

(KJV)

Nehemiah prayer in chapter 1 before he built in chapter 2. Prayer opened the door that effort alone never could.