Opposition.
Those who opposed the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem were relentless. Nehemiah had to deal with constant threats and rumors of violence against him. Nehemiah’s opponents bribed trusted individuals to prophesy against him. We can only imagine the pressure that Nehemiah lived with. Notice Nehemiah’s prayer in 6:14. This brief two sentence prayer was a pattern in Nehemiah’s life. In chapter two when speaking to the king, he offers a brief prayer asking God to help him say the right words. In 4:4-5, there is a brief prayer asking God to deal with those who oppose the rebuilding of the wall. In 5:19 there is a one sentence prayer asking for God to bless him as he tries to treat the people well. We offer more than sentence prayers at times (every day?). But there are times when short, spur-of-the-moment prayers are important. These prayers are simple requests for strength, thoughts, and favors from God. These short and simple prayers also remind us that God is near. They are reminders that God is willing to act. They are reminders that we are not alone in this world. What a blessing to speak the name of God and to know that he hears and responds.