The Prayer that God Answers Without Delay

Daily Devotionals – Friday, September 17, 2021

Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven.

 Nehemiah 2:4-5 (NKJV)

When we have a health emergency, we realize the value of an ambulance. When a raging fire engulfs property, we appreciate fire-fighting services. It is important to have phone numbers we can call during crises.

We all have moments when we need urgent help. Nehemiah did. He was King Artaxerxes cupbearer. Some Jews came to visit Nehemiah. They told him that Jerusalem was in ruins and those who remained were “in great distress and reproach.” (Nehemiah 1:3, NKJV).

Nehemiah’s was sad. King Artaxerxes noticed and asked, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.” (Nehemiah 2:2, NKJV). Nehemiah narrated the reason for his dejection.

Then the king asked Nehemiah, “What do you request?”(Nehemiah 2:4, NKJV). This was not a simple question. It required critical thinking within a very short time. The king wanted an immediate answer.

In that brief moment, Nehemiah called the most important emergency number in the universe. “So I prayed to the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 2:4, NKJV). He asked God for guidance, and then answered the king.

You also can access the same service at any time. If you find yourself in Nehemiah’s situation, just call God immediately. Speak to Him in your mind. Do not worry about the duration of your prayer, the words to use or your posture.  

For this kind of prayers, God promises, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Psalms 50:15, NKJV).

Almighty Father, thank You because I can call on You in my distress and get the help I need.