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Nehemiah 1 – Praying through the Bible #147 – A Prayer that Shows Effective Praying
Inundated by emails and cell phones, it is nigh impossible to experience the isolation distance brings. Nehemiah is in Persia, the remnant in Jerusalem. When his brother returns he eagerly asks concerning their welfare. Unwanted news (Nehemiah 1.1-3). Being distraught should lead to prayer; prayer is often more than mere words. Nehemiah weeps and mourns for days, his mourning includes fasting (1.4). Analyzing the prayer we see: 1) God is not the source of problem (v.5); 2) Sin is the source of problem (vv.6‑7); 3) God is the source of solution (vv.8‑9). Analyzing deeper we see how to effectively pray:
- Effective Prayer Must Be Directed to God (1.5). We cannot expect God to answer a prayer never said. Never be too proud to pray! God is always the answer.
- Effective Prayer Must Be Preceded By Knowledge of a Need (1.3). Ask people about their needs. Be aware of your own. Nothing is too big or small.
- Effective Prayer is Based upon Scripture (1.5,7-9). Nehemiah knows God’s word, mentioning the covenant, commands and promises.
- Effective Prayer is Persistent (1.6b). It is very likely Nehemiah prays for four months (1.1; 2.1). He prays longer than it will take to accomplish the goal of rebuilding the walls (6.15).
- Effective Prayer is based upon God’s Promises (1.8-9). These promises of God are both positive and negative. God is merciful, and God is just. I find it intriguing that Biblical prayers often include “reminders” of God’s promises.
- Effective Prayer Includes Adoration (1.5). Nehemiah’s thanksgiving is based upon the character of God. Do we ask more than we praise?
- Effective Prayer Pleads (1.6a). Nehemiah knew as we should that God wants to hear us pray. God is the greatest giver.
- Effective Prayer Includes Confession (1.6c-7). As did Ezra, Nehemiah includes himself as one with the nation, and not separate or better than those who sinned the nations into captivity.
- Effective Prayer is Submissive and Dependent (1.11). Anything good we do is because God is working through and for us.
- Effective Prayer Accepts God’s Time Table and Answer. Nehemiah prays 4 months before seeing results. Sometimes God has us wait.
If we feel isolated from God, Nehemiah teaches how to effectively communicate to God. The distance between us and God is as small as a prayer.
Prayer Challenge: Not every prayer needs all the above every time; but such does help us examine our prayers. Are we effective prayers? Pray to be effective.
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