“You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you.” (Nehemiah 9:6)
Of all the disciplines a leader must maintain, nothing—let me repeat, nothing—is more vital to success than prayer. Leaders can and often do lead without prayer, but after fifty-five years in various leadership roles in industry, the military, and the ministry, I am more than ever convinced of the importance of prayer. Whatever is accomplished would be far greater if he or she approached each decision, each challenge, each critical juncture from a kneeling position.
Nehemiah 9:5–38 is the longest record of a prayer in all of Scripture. According to 9:3, this prayer consumed a fourth of a twelve-hour Jewish day. What we have recorded in the Bible is a condensed version of what was originally a three-hour prayer.
Far more important than the time spent in prayer is the attitude of the people. They approached the Lord with genuine humility and purity of heart.
The Jews opened their prayer as all prayer should begin, with praise. It is rare to hear genuine praise, which is simply the practice of putting all thoughts of self aside to concentrate on adoration of God and God alone for His character, His attributes, His unmatched qualities. Their prayer begins with an awe-inspired look straight up into the mysteries and magnificence of God’s wondrous person.
By the way, I’m convinced that the more you dwell on the sovereignty and goodness of God, recognising that nothing happens outside His consent and no event—good or bad—comes to you that hasn’t first passed through His fingers, the greater peace you will experience. Accepting His sovereignty and surrendering to His ways are probably the most difficult, yet most productive choices that a person can make.
The next section of the prayer is a careful review of Israel’s history with a particular focus on God’s faithfulness. A realistic view of the past can provide the very best perspective on the present and can suggest ways to ensure a better future. It’s a difficult exercise, but I can assure you it holds astounding potential for the leader who is willing to put forth the effort.
