Then the king said to [Nehemiah], “What do you request?” So [Nehemiah] prayed to the God of heaven. And [he] said to the king, “If it pleases the king . . . .”

Nehemiah 2:4-5

Recommended Reading

Philippians 4:6-7

Stewards are in constant touch with their masters regarding the master’s plans. When it comes to Christian leadership, the same stewardship principle applies—constant communication. Therefore, prayer is the foundational principle for Christian leaders. Prayer is how Christian stewards stay in touch with the Master about His plans.

One instance in Nehemiah’s life is a good example. When Nehemiah wanted permission from the Persian king to return to Jerusalem, he was afraid. When the king asked what Nehemiah wanted, he sent a silent prayer heavenward before he spoke (Nehemiah 2:4-5). Nehemiah knew God wanted the wall rebuilt, but he didn’t know if the king would grant permission. So, in the spirit of 1 Thessalonians 5:17—“pray without ceasing”—Nehemiah prayed for the king’s positive response.

All Christians are leaders in the sense of carrying out God’s will in various arenas of life. Therefore, prayer is the constant means by which we know the Father’s will and gain His provision.

Every minister ought to know that if the prayer meetings are neglected, all his labours are in vain.

Charles Finney

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Leviticus 1–4

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