How easy it can be to be discouraged when we look around at the state of Christianity. There is real struggle everywhere we look. Nehemiah found himself in such a state, but we can learn from how he dealt with the situation as a man of prayer. The book named after him mentions praying no fewer than eleven times.

His first prayer (Neh. 1:4–11) is one born out of sorrow after hearing of the state of the remnant and the work they had started years earlier. He is broken and contrite as he weeps, mourns, and fasts. In addressing the awesome Jehovah Elohim of heaven, he pleads for his people and for personal mercy that he might be used by the Lord. Have we prayed such a prayer?

His second prayer is not verbal and barely lasts more than a second, as he asks the Lord for help answering the king’s question (2:4). This subject had been rehearsed before the Lord for over four months, and now he sees the Lord providing an opportunity. We also ought to be patient, waiting for the Lord’s leading, but all the while continuing in prayer.

What follows is a worthwhile lesson for all believers: he acts. Nehemiah demonstrates his faith through his actions and trusts God for the outcome. When he encounters opposition, he prays (4:4–5; 5:19). When he needs strength, he asks for it (6:9). When he is afraid, he confesses it (6:14). Corporate prayer then follows, when the people bless and praise the Lord in chapter 9.

The last four prayers are in the last chapter and start with the same word: “Remember” (13:14, 22, 29, 31). Samson prayed a similar prayer (Judg. 16:28), as did Jeremiah (Jer. 15:15). It comes from a desire to be connected with God’s purposes. God is not limited by a lack of memory; we rather have here an earnest request from His servants to have God include them in what He is doing. Is that our desire as well?