When we think of great biblical leaders, our minds often go to Moses parting the Red Sea, David slaying Goliath, or Paul preaching the gospel across the Roman Empire. But tucked into the Old Testament is the story of another remarkable leader – Nehemiah – a man whose ministry began, continued, and ended rooted in prayer.
From the opening verses of the book that bears his name, we see a man deeply moved by the condition of God’s people. When Nehemiah hears that Jerusalem’s walls lie in ruins, his first response is not to form a committee, launch a campaign, or strategise a solution.
Instead, Scripture says:
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”
(Nehemiah 1:4, NIV)
This is where true godly leadership begins – in brokenness before God, seeking His face before lifting a finger to act.
Prayer That Leads to Action
Nehemiah’s example reminds us of a powerful truth: prayer and action are not enemies. They are partners. His prayer in Nehemiah 1 is saturated with confession, worship, and a request for God’s favour – not so he could sit idle, but so he could move forward in God’s timing.
When the king finally asked why Nehemiah looked sad, Nehemiah says:
“I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king…”
(Nehemiah 2:4–5)
Even in the heat of the moment, before giving his request, Nehemiah whispers a prayer. This is leadership that listens — leadership that moves only after seeking the Lord.
Charles Spurgeon once said:
“Prayer pulls the rope down below, and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly; others give but an occasional jerk at the rope. But he who wins with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously with all his might.”
That’s Nehemiah — a man who knew how to grasp the rope.
A Pattern for Us Today
Like Nehemiah, we are called to be people who:
- Communicate with God before acting – not as an afterthought, but as our starting point.
- Listen attentively to His Word – shaping our desires to match His will.
- Take decisive steps when God opens doors – walking forward in faith, not fear.
Dallas Willard once wrote:
“God’s presence is not something to be achieved, it is to be received.”
When we receive His presence through prayer and the Word, our actions become aligned with His purposes.
Your Turn
Where has God placed a burden on your heart? Before you run into action, follow Nehemiah’s example:
- Pause.
- Pray.
- Listen.
- Then move, trusting that if God opens the door, He will also supply the strength to walk through it.
Nehemiah’s life shows us that true influence begins on our knees and is carried forward on our feet. May we be leaders, parents, friends, and believers who follow his example – people after God’s own heart.