Pray First!
Prayer Before Action: Lessons from Nehemiah’s Approach to God’s Plan
In times of major decisions and life changes, many of us rush to take action without first seeking God’s guidance. Through Nehemiah’s example, we learn the vital importance of prayer before action in aligning ourselves with God’s redemptive plan.
Why Should We Pray Before Taking Action?
Nehemiah demonstrates that our primary responsibility in God’s plan is to pray before we act. While God may not be building physical walls today, He is in the business of restoring lost souls to Himself. Our decisions affect this greater purpose, making it crucial to seek His guidance first.
How Should We Pray When Seeking God’s Direction?
1. Pray Seriously
Nehemiah showed the seriousness of his pursuit through: – Sitting in humility – Weeping and expressing sorrow – Mourning for days – Fasting from food and water
2. Pray Worshipfully
Before making requests, Nehemiah: – Acknowledged God’s personal nature – Recognized His power and holiness – Praised His faithfulness – Remembered His covenant promises
3. Pray Confidently
Nehemiah approached God with certainty that: – God hears our prayers – God sees our situation – God will respond to our faith
4. Pray Persistently
– Nehemiah prayed day and night – He continued praying for four months – He didn’t give up when answers weren’t immediate
5. Pray Repentantly
– Confessed personal and corporate sin – Acknowledged wrongdoing honestly – Understood sin hinders fellowship with God
6. Pray Scripturally
– Used God’s promises in prayer – Aligned requests with God’s Word – Let Scripture guide prayer focus
7. Pray Specifically
– Made clear, precise requests – Asked for specific outcomes – Trusted God with detailed needs
Life Application
Before making major decisions this week, commit to following Nehemiah’s pattern of prayer. Ask yourself:
- Am I rushing into action without first seeking God’s guidance?
- Have I dedicated serious time to prayer about this decision?
- What specific requests should I bring before God?
- Is there unconfessed sin hindering my prayers?
Challenge: Choose one important decision you’re facing and spend dedicated time in prayer this week using Nehemiah’s pattern – praying seriously, worshipfully, confidently, persistently, repentantly, scripturally, and specifically before taking any action.