Prayer for strength.
"Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands." Another instance of Nehemiah's prayerfulness. In every difficulty he calls upon God, and not in vain. Thus he obtains strength, and teaches us where to seek it, with assurance of finding it. The manner in which the prayer is recorded is noticeable. He does not say, Then I offered this prayer, etc; but abruptly writes down the .prayer itself. It seems as if, while recording the events of those times, he lived them m imagination and feeling over again; and so, experiencing the old anxiety, he half unconsciously prayed and wrote the old prayer as a present supplication to God.
I. WHAT WILL INCITE THE CHRISTIAN TO SUCH A PRAYER.
1. A great and good undertaking. Such as God approves.
2. Dependence of others engaged in the enterprise on our lead and spirit. Influence which our weakness would have on them.
3. Great difficulties in the work.
4. Great opposition to it.
5. Feebleness of fellow workers. In numbers, ability, zeal, courage. Fear of their defection.
6. Depression of spirit arising from these or other causes.
7. Strong desire to accomplish the work notwithstanding.
II. How THE PRAYER MAY BE ANSWERED.
1. By the gift of internal strength (see Ephesians 3:16). This may be given direct from heaven, or through the medium of encouragement from men (see Nehemiah 2:18).
2. By affording better external assistance. More and better helpers, or more favourable circumstances. Finally, some have good reason to offer this prayer with special emphasis on its last two words. They are strong in the head, and have strong emotions, but are weak in the hands for giving or doing. Unhappily, those who most need thus to pray are least disposed to do so.