Pastor Tom Grieb continues our series, “Lessons in Leadership,” based on the book of Nehemiah. 

If anything, Nehemiah was a man of prayer.  Prayer was at the heart of who he was as a leader.  Nehemiah didn’t dare strike out until he had prayed.  He didn’t want to get ahead of what God wanted him to do.  

Our passage for this week is Nehemiah 1:5-11.  It is the prayer Nehemiah prayed before approaching King Artaxerxes to gain the king’s permission to return to Jerusalem and re-build the city walls.  That prayer at once recognizes the character of God as One who works to bring about good for those who love him.  It understands the need for forgiveness.  The leader who is contrite wants to make sure his/her heart is right.  The prayer also recognizes the importance of seeking God’s help and how God’s help has a way of bringing about success.  

The fact that Nehemiah prayed first, last, and everywhere in between speaks volumes to the type of leader he was. We would do well to do the same.