Nehemiah adopts the posture of one who can make no demands, who will assert no rights. He casts himself upon the good pleasure of the God of heaven. He prays as a leader on behalf of a sinful people, among whom he counts himself. He does not cover up the sin that should disqualify him from seeking God but instead confesses it and runs to God who has extended the scepter of mercy, access, and promise. 

O You who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come. (Psalm 65:2, NKJV)

How do you typically begin your prayers? Do you refer to God in the same way each time, perhaps “Father” or “Holy Lord” or “Almighty God”? In the model prayer Jesus taught us, He has us enter the presence of God by addressing Him as “our Father in heaven” and “Father” is a favorite appellation for Him, as can be seen in His high priestly prayer of John 17.

When Nehemiah heard the hard news of the state of his countrymen and of Jerusalem, he was moved to tears and moved to cry out to the “God of heaven,” the living and true God who ruled on high over all things. Now, as he turns to prayer, how does he begin?

He begins with a double name, invoking the generic name for God (Elohim) and the name of covenant bond (Yahweh). He is the God who has entered into personal relationship with a particular people. In using those names it is tantamount to invoking God’s invitation to access, “I am God, your God, and you are My people,” much like we would use the name “Father” to testify to our personal adoptive relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

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