First I prayed to the God of heaven.
—Nehemiah 2:4
Nehemiah was an exile in Babylon when visitors from Judah arrived and told him that Jerusalem was in shambles and the people were in disgrace. In despair over the condition of his nation, he wept, fasted, and prayed.
When his boss, King Artaxerxes, asked him why he was so sad, Nehemiah prayed before answering: “First I prayed to the God of heaven. Then I answered the king.” He requested permission to go to Jerusalem “so that I can rebuild it” (Neh 2:4–5). Permission was granted.
Nehemiah didn’t attribute the king’s favorable response to his own position or persuasiveness, but to providence: “Because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my request” (Neh 2:8).
Whatever decision you’re facing, first pray; then, only then, take the next step.
Pray before you decide.