Nehemiah wept as he prayed because he was deeply grieved by the news that things were not going well for his people who had returned to Jerusalem after a period of exile. He prayed with intense feelings. God gave him his requests not because he prayed intensely but it was the fact that he claimed God’s promises (Nehemiah 1 : 8-9)
God promised that He will never leave us (Matthew 28 : 20) that He will not allow us to be tempted beyond our endurance (1 Corinthians 10 : 13) and that He will work all things for our good (Romans 8 : 28-30).
Claim promises like these makes our prayers effective.
Nehemiah 1 : 8
Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses.
(0519 12 III 2008)