Nehemiah 2:4
Nehemiah prayed. This is a Bible study about praying.
"Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven."
Nehemiah 2:4
Nehemiah was cupbearer for the king of Persia, Artaxerxes. The brothers of Nehemiah had come to him with news about Jerusalem. Nehemiah cried and prayed to God after hearing that the city was still in ruins.
A few months later, Nehemiah stood before the king. The king noticed that he was sad and asked him what happened. Nehemiah explained it all, and the king asked: "What do you request?" Nehemiah prayed. It wasn't a long prayer, probably just a sigh, because he answers immediately.
God wants honesty, not fancy words. He wants you to be real. Even in difficult situations, seek His guidance. Jesus teaches us more about praying in the Gospels.
Matthew 6:7-8: "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him."
Luke 18:1: "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart;"
Paul encourages us to pray continually, reminding us that the Holy Spirit also intercedes for us.
1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing"
Romans 8:26-27: "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
God hears you when you call on His Name. He saved Nehemiah. He will save you. Maybe you will not get everything you want from Him, but He gives you what you need. And He will be with you every step of the way.
Joel 2:32: "And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved […]"
Matthew 28:20: "[…] and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. […]"
Today's lesson: God wants you to be real. He wants to talk with you. So be real and tell Him what is on your mind. Do this in obedience, for He is holy. He can save you, and He will if you call on His Name.