REACHING THE EARS OF GOD

‘The king responded, “What is it you are seeking?”

Then I quickly prayed to the God of heaven…’ (Nehemiah 2:4)

Such a subtle, yet poignant, example of earnest prayer.

As people of prayer it is important to understand and keep in mind that our God is always listening for us to speak to Him.

My own experience of learning how to pray “correctly” often used to leave me thinking I needed to offer up long, extensive prayers. Although there are significant examples of long prayers in the scripture, we need not feel as if long discourses are obligatory. They are appropriate when the circumstance warrants it; but, succinct prayers are just as appropriate.

“LORD, help me know what to say.” and “Father, show me the right path to take.” are often all that may be needed at the time.

In this verse, we see Nehemiah before King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah is the king’s cupbearer. He’s just learned that the exiles who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild have been met by harsh resistance. He wants to ask the king to release him from his duties so he can go to Jerusalem and help rebuild the city. But, he’s not sure he can be that bold. When the king inquires about Nehemiah’s sadness, Nehemiah knows he must not hold back; still, to ask brazenly is to possibly invoke the king’s wrath.

So, he lifts up a quick prayer.

Now, it’s really important to realize in this context that this is not a “LORD, open up a parking space for me ” kind of prayer. If you read chapter 1 you’ll see that Nehemiah has been on his knees night and day, asking for God’s forgiveness, protection and wisdom for the remnant in Jerusalem. Somewhere during that fervent prayer, I’m convinced, came the realization that God was moving Nehemiah to go to Jerusalem as part of God’s answer to his prayers.

The “quickie” prayer Nehemiah lifted up prior to addressing the king was, I believe, an extension of his fervent prayer when he suddenly realizes this is an opportunity God is providing.

It may have included a request for the courage to speak boldly, that the king’s heart would be amenable to his request, and/or the king would be reasonable in his response. Or, based on the king’s question, Nehemiah may have asked God to give him the right words to accomplish God’s purpose.

Whatever the actual content God’s ears were open.

We all have times when we face adversity and opposition, or when we are asked to intercede in a situation and have no idea how to proceed. If we see these times coming we can be “prayed up”, like Nehemiah. Then, a brief prayer to the One who brought us to that place is not only asked, but necessary.
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)

I do believe the “secret” to quick prayers is being “prayed up”, having been before our God in daily conversant, earnest prayer. God is ever attentive to the prayers of His righteous ones.
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.” (1 Peter 3:12a)

One last thought: Nehemiah must have asked the LORD to show him what outcome He wanted. We know that IF we ask according to God’s will He hears our prayers and gives us our desire.

Let’s not squander – nor underestimate – this immeasurable gift!