The Daily Walk | 04.30.2026 | Dan Stephens | Nehemiah 1:11 (NIV)

11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

Transcript

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We began a series in the book of Nehemiah last Sunday. The theme of this great book is the Lord's faithful protection, providence, and restoration of his people. We see the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem, of course, but woven into the fabric of Nehemiah is reformation of the community through spiritual renewal. We see some of the most moving and heartfelt prayers in this book, beginning in the very first chapter. Our verse for the day, Nehemiah 1.11, says, Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man. The man Nehemiah is referring to as Artaxerxes I, King of Persia. In the Swindal Study Bible, edited by beloved pastor and teacher Charles Swindahl, he makes some great points about prayer. He asks, What is your first response when a need comes to your attention? My first response, based on my human nature, is, How can I work this out? By contrast, Nehemiah's first response to a need was to go to God in prayer. He did not second guess the situation nor jump to conclusions about how to fix it. He simply fell to his knees and said, Lord, this is too big for anyone on this earth. I bring it before you. And then Swindl says something profound. He says, Nehemiah was a man who fought on his knees. At major junctures in his life, when our tendency would have been to fight back or trust in our own abilities for defense, this man fell to his knees in prayer. Let Nehemiah be an example of the priority and power of prayer in the Christian life. Thanks for joining me for your daily walk.