How to Become a Person of Prayer and Deeds

Do you want to become a person of prayer and deeds? We have a great example of such a person in the face of the Nehemiah in the Bible who initiated and oversaw the rebuilding of the Jerusalem walls after the restoration of the second temple.

How to Become a Person of Prayer and Deeds

If we want to become persons of prayer and deeds, we need to start with prayer.

Ongoing prayer is an essential part of the life of Nehemiah. In fact, he starts his mission for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem with heart-felt intercessory prayer and fast, after hearing the exiles who returned to Jerusalem are in great trouble and disgrace. (Nehemiah 1: 4-11).

Not only does Nehemiah take special times for prayer, but he also has the habit of shooting prayer-arrows while working. For example, he shoots such a prayer-arrow while serving wine to King Artaxerxes asking God’s help for this important conversation. (Nehemiah 2:4). While writing his memories, he spontaneously inserts prayers too. (Nehemiah 4:4-5, 5:19, 6:9, 13:14).

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Acknowledging God’s Presence and Providence in Everything

Nehemiah is a man of God who doesn’t act without praying and who doesn’t pray without acting.

His prayers mark milestones in the story of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He acknowledges God’s hand in everything that happens and never forgets to give God the glory. He doesn’t seek human praise and glory from men; otherwise, he would never have left Persia and his career there.

We see this model also in the ministry of Jesus and His words.

“I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge.” (John 8:50)

“If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.” (John 8:54)

Turning God’s Presence into Deeds

There is no other biblical personality who shows us so clearly a way how to turn God’s presence into deeds while executing his leadership role.

Nehemiah’s reaction to every problem and obstacle is prayer, followed or accompanied by action. The fact that Nehemiah takes responsibility and acts shows his active trust in God and his confidence that God is in control and He provides and protects. This behavior turns Nehemiah into a great example of active, living faith.

 “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” (James 2:22)

^“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2: 26)

The biblical personality of Nehemiah shows us clearly the way how to turn God's presence into deeds while executing his leadership role. Via @onthewaybg #leadership #trustGod Share on X

The Principle of Prayer, Actions, and Encouragement

We see the principle of prayer, actions, and encouragement working together, beautifully illustrated in Nehemiah chapter 4. In this chapter, the Jews face strong opposition from the neighboring nations.

Nehemiah immediately resorts to prayer accompanied by a proper action like posting a guard day and night to meet the threat, stationing some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, and returning to the wall, each to their own work. (Nehemiah 4:6, 4:9, 4:13)

Besides praying and taking action, Nehemiah takes his time to speak to the people and encourage them, giving an example of the nobles and officials to do the same. “After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” (Nehemiah 4:14)

We can see this principle of being vigilant in prayer and wearing God’s armor all the time in the fact that the people work with one hand and hold a weapon in the other. (Nehemiah 4:17)

Nehemiah – a Great Example to Follow

As a person of deeds and prayer with remarkable leadership skills, Nehemiah is an outstanding example to follow. He acts as a gifted speaker, a passionate prayer warrior, a problem-solver, and a noble character with a big heart for the people, with great organizational skills and decisiveness, trusting God always and about everything.

More Resources to Help You Become a Person of Prayer and Deeds

If you need more resources to inspire and encourage you in the process of becoming a person of prayer and deeds, I can highly recommend these books. Check them out.

Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings by Hadassah Treu

How to Walk Away from Toxic People by Gary Thomas

Kissing Guilt Goodbye by Enliven Devotionals

Transforming Your Thought Life  by Sarah Geringer

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

Forward: Discovering God’s Presence and Purpose in Your Tomorrow by David Jeremiah

Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics by William Lane Craig

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Your Turn

Which of these qualities is the most appealing to you? How can you follow Nehemiah’s example today? Share in the comments and on social media. Thanks!

Do you want to become a person of prayer and deeds? Take an example of the biblical personality of Nehemiah. via @onthewaybg #prayer #deeds #BibleStudy Share on X

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