Prayer is the work

Nehemiah was indeed a man of prayer, and his leadership is deeply intertwined with his reliance on God through prayer. Throughout the book of Nehemiah, he prays multiple times, demonstrating his dependence on God in various situations.


1. Nehemiah 1:4-11 – Nehemiah's prayer of confession and intercession after hearing about the state of Jerusalem’s walls. He prays for God’s favor before approaching King Artaxerxes.


2. Nehemiah 2:4 – A quick, silent prayer to God when the king asks Nehemiah what he wants. Nehemiah seeks divine help right before making his request to rebuild Jerusalem.


3. Nehemiah 4:4-5 – Nehemiah prays for protection when the enemies mock and oppose the rebuilding of the walls. He asks God to deal with his adversaries.


4. Nehemiah 4:9 – Nehemiah and the people pray for God's protection and set a guard day and night against their enemies.


5. Nehemiah 5:19 – Nehemiah prays for God to remember his efforts and integrity in dealing with the social injustices and the oppression of the poor.


6. Nehemiah 6:9 – When facing intimidation, Nehemiah prays for strength to continue the work despite the enemies' attempts to make him and the people afraid.


7. Nehemiah 6:14 – Nehemiah prays that God would remember the evil deeds of his opponents, specifically calling out those trying to sabotage the work.


8. Nehemiah 9:5-38 – This is a long prayer of confession offered by the Levites, recounting Israel’s history, God’s faithfulness, and the people's sins. Although Nehemiah isn’t directly mentioned as leading the prayer, he is involved in organizing the assembly for this time of national repentance.


9. Nehemiah 13:14 – Nehemiah prays that God would remember him for the good he has done, particularly in reforming the temple practices.


10. Nehemiah 13:22 – He prays that God would remember him for his work in restoring the Sabbath, asking for mercy.


11. Nehemiah 13:29 – Nehemiah prays for God to judge the unfaithful priests who have defiled the priesthood.


12. Nehemiah 13:31 – The final prayer in the book, where Nehemiah asks God to remember him with favor for all his efforts in reforming the nation.


Nehemiah's leadership is rooted in prayer, demonstrating his continuous reliance on God for guidance, protection, and success. Whether in moments of great distress or after significant victories, Nehemiah always turns to God, making prayer central to everything he does.



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