9 They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’ But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands.’ NIV

Again, we see Nehemiah uttering a short prayer; shooting up an ‘arrow’ prayer. He’s in a desperate situation, and He prays. What should you do when fears press in? ‘Take it to the Lord in prayer.’

Once more I want to underline the point that it doesn’t have to be a long prayer to get God’s attention. It just has to be real and sincere. (I’m not saying there isn’t value in praying for long periods if you can. But that’s another matter). A drowning person doesn’t have much time or strength for anything more than ‘Help!’ (See also Matthew 6:7,8).

Nehemiah doesn’t ask for the trouble to be removed, but for strength to continue the work. It reminds me of the prayer of the church in Acts 4:29: ‘’Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.’’

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please help me to grasp that short prayers from the heart, in your Name, please you, and reach the heart of God.