Nehemiah 1:11

Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king ~ Nehemiah 1:11


 

Instead of cowering in front of his earthly king, afraid to request that he be allowed to travel to Jerusalem to help rebuild the walls, Nehemiah appealed to his King, the Lord God Almighty, for His favour. What is important to note too is that Nehemiah did this before asking the king, “this man”, for favours, not after. How often do we come to our decisions on our own merit, then we ask God for His blessing! Instead we should follow this example from Nehemiah, and pray to the Lord before we request anything from someone, or before we make any changes in our life. Take note too of the prayer. It was said in silence, in the inner voice it was spoken, all the while he was administering the cup to the king. Nehemiah held a place of great honour and privilege being in the king’s presence every day, and though he was a servant to an earthly king, he knew he served a higher King. His servanthood is double, but it is to God he draws near to in reverence and fear. Yet, there is also confidence in his prayer. His fear of God is not a quaking, but an awe in the power of God! His prayer is a humble prayer, asking that God would graciously hear his request and grant him favour through the earthly king he served. And finally, he has hope in the promises of God in the ages past. This God is a King Nehemiah can and will depend upon. When we come before the Lord in prayer, may our prayers be humble, but bold; may they be full of reverence and fear and awe, and whether they be spoken in silence or aloud, may they be full of faith and hope! Our God hears our prayers, and He answers!

Pastor Julia


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