Alalahanin ninyo, O aking Diyos, ang lahat ng ito at ako po’y pagpalain ninyo.

Nehemias 13:31

In our first devotional, Nehemiah thought of God’s favor upon him (Nehemiah 2:8). In the second, he publicly declared his thoughts to his people that they could do the impossible task of rebuilding the walls and gates because God’s gracious hand is upon him (Nehemiah 2:18).  In our last in this series of devotional readings on Nehemiah, we end with his prayer: Remember this in my favor, O my God.   

Why is Nehemiah closing his autobiography with these words? From beginning to end, Nehemiah had been praying to God. He had laid out plans but not before he had sought the favor of God.  As a result, even with internal opposition to the rebuilding of the walls and the gates, he successfully led his people to rebuild the walls and gates in 52 days.  But he did not stop in building the physical infrastructure of his beloved hometown.  He also laid the foundation for rebuilding the moral and spiritual fiber of his people.  He pushed for changes that would lead them back to worshipping the one true God.

Sa kanyang ending prayer, hindi sya nag-atubiling sabihin sa Diyos kung ano ang nilalaman ng kanyang puso.  Nehemiah’s prayer is straight talking to God: Remember what I have done.

Did he think God is forgetful? When we pray, remember that God knows already what we would pray for even before we come to him.  Kaya’t ang panalangin ni Nehemiah ay para hindi nya malimutan ang motibo niya for all that he has done.  His main purpose was to please God and express his complete dependence on Him. Gusto niyang maalala kung paanong mula sa umpisa hanggang sa katapusan ay mahalaga ang pagtitiwala sa Diyos.