What Should I Say?
I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king. Nehemiah 2:4–5
READ Nehemiah 2:1–6
When I stopped to browse through a box of
books marked “C. S. Lewis” at a used bookshop, the store owner appeared.
As we chatted about the available titles, I wondered if he might be
interested in the faith that inspired much of Lewis’ writing. I prayed
silently for guidance. Information from a biography came to mind, and we
began to discuss how C. S. Lewis’ character pointed to God. In the end,
I was thankful that a quick prayer had reoriented our conversation to
spiritual matters.
Nehemiah paused to pray before a pivotal moment in a conversation
with King Artaxerxes in Persia. The king had asked how he could help
Nehemiah, who was distraught over Jerusalem’s destruction. Nehemiah was
the king’s servant and therefore in no position to ask for favors, but
he needed one—a big one. He wanted to restore Jerusalem. So, he “prayed
to the God of heaven” before asking to leave his job so he could
reestablish the city (Nehemiah 2:4–5). The king consented and even
agreed to help Nehemiah make travel arrangements and procure timber for
the project.
The Bible encourages us to pray “on all occasions with all kinds of
prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18). This includes moments when we
need courage, self-control, or sensitivity. Praying before we speak
helps us give God control of our attitude and our words.
How might He want to direct your words today? Ask Him and find out!
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt |
What patterns of speech do you need God’s help to change? What types of situations in your life could benefit most from prayer?
Dear God, I surrender my words to You. Use them for Your glory. Help them to inspire and encourage others.
To learn more about the act of prayer. | | | | |
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
As the cupbearer to the king, Nehemiah held
an important position in the court of Artaxerxes. Royal cupbearers “were
charged with tasting the king’s wine (to prevent poisoning) and
guarding the royal chambers” and were “among the most trusted of
officials [who] enjoyed extensive influence with their masters” (Mark
Throntveit, Ezra–Nehemiah). It wasn’t unusual for exiled
Israelites to hold important positions. Daniel ruled over Babylon
(Daniel 2:48–49); and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in charge of
the affairs of Babylon (3:12).
In Nehemiah 2:1–8, Artaxerxes asked Nehemiah three questions. Before
Nehemiah replied to the first two questions, he described his emotions.
In verse 2, he said, “I was very much afraid.” In verse 4, he “prayed to
the God of heaven.” Then in verse 6, he’s bold enough to simply give an
answer. This presents the progression of his frame of mind.
J.R. Hudberg
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