Much of Nehemiah’s prayer constitutes much of what one would expect: petition, confession, praise. But then there is this. At the end of the prayer, something happens to Nehemiah. God does something within his heart and his spirit to give him the courage to do something about the situation. The result of the prayer is that Nehemiah heard this message from God: “You, Nehemiah, are the answer to your own prayer.” God will give you the opportunity and the courage, and even the words to do something about your prayer concern.

Prayer can not only give us comfort and help us stand firm amid crisis. God can also use our prayers to prepare us to be part of the solution, and make a difference for others.