Nehemiah’s prayer is loaded with references to the Scriptures he had, whether direct quotes or indirect allusions. This observation is instructive for our prayers. Speaking to God implies that we have heard God speaking to us (the Bible) and listened carefully so as to reply to his words in our present circumstances. More, knowledge of Scripture also sets us up to lay God’s own promises before him in our prayers and so instil in us greater confidence that the Lord will certainly act in step with our petitions.
4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.