Nehemiah 1:11, New International Version

“Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name.”

The book of Nehemiah opens not with action, but with a burden. Nehemiah, serving as cupbearer to the king of Persia, receives word that the walls of Jerusalem are broken down and its gates burned with fire. Though he is far from the city, his heart breaks for the people of God and the condition of their homeland. Nehemiah’s response sets the tone for the entire book—he weeps, mourns, fasts, and prays before the Lord. He doesn’t rush to fix the problem or organize a plan. His first step is to bring his burden to God. That’s where every great work of God begins—with a heart that feels deeply and prays earnestly.

Nehemiah’s prayer is one of the most beautiful examples of humility and faith in Scripture. He begins by acknowledging the greatness and faithfulness of God: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments.” Before he ever asks for help, he worships. Then he confesses—not just the sins of the people, but his own: “We have acted very wickedly toward you.” Nehemiah understands that before there can be restoration in Jerusalem, there must first be repentance before God. He identifies with his people’s sin rather than distancing himself from it. That’s what true intercession looks like—a heart that stands in the gap for others.

In verses 8–9, Nehemiah reminds God of His promises: “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses…” He is not demanding but believing. He knows that God’s Word is true and that His promises are trustworthy. This shows us that prayer isn’t just emotional expression, it’s standing on the truth of Scripture. When we pray God’s promises back to Him, we anchor our faith in His unchanging Word. Nehemiah’s confidence is not in his ability to rebuild walls, but in God’s ability to restore His people.

As the chapter closes, Nehemiah asks for one simple but profound thing: favor. “Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” He knows that the next step will require courage and obedience, but he also knows that success comes only through God’s hand. His burden becomes a calling, and his calling begins with prayer. Before Nehemiah ever lays a stone or raises a wall, he lays his heart before God.

Nehemiah 1 teaches us that great movements of God begin in quiet moments of surrender. It’s easy to see the brokenness around us—broken homes, broken churches, broken communities—and grow overwhelmed. But Nehemiah’s example reminds us that the right response to a broken world is not despair but prayer. When God stirs our hearts with a burden, it’s because He intends to move through us. Our role is to seek His will, confess where we’ve fallen short, and trust Him to open doors in His perfect timing.

So, if you’re carrying a burden today, take it to the Lord first. Let your concern drive you to your knees, not into worry or self-reliance. God still calls and equips those who seek Him earnestly. Like Nehemiah, may we become people whose prayers pave the way for His restoring work.

(All scripture quotations in this article are from the New International Version)