Nehemiah is a powerful little book. My former boss -- Hank Dye -- used it as a business text. Here's one commentator's simple outline of the book as a leadership guide:
One lesson on leadership for each chapter of Nehemiah.
1. How do you react when things are not as they should be?
2. How do you set priorities and plan?
3. How do you work together and lead?
4. How do you deal with opposition?
5. How do you deal with problems believers cause?
6. How do you deal with threats?
7. How do you strategically place people in positions?
8. How well do you yield the stage to others?
9. How do you encourage confession?
10. How do you build consensus?
11. How do you build teamwork and unity?
12. How do you dedicate your work and your life and others to God?
13. How and when do you strongly rebuke?
I, myself, am struck by the beauty, simplicity, sensitivity and humility of Nehemiah's prayer. This powerful man, cupbearer to the Persian king, sets out on his quest beginning with fasting and prayer. This is a prayer not for himself -- but for his success in service to others. And in that prayer, he starts by acknowledging God and His love. He confesses not only the sins of the people but also his personal shortcomings. He appreciates what stands in the way of our accomplishing great things -- our sin and separation from God. There is so much God wants for us and wants to do for us as dearly beloved children. But we turn our backs. Nehemiah appreciates the problem of our sin and so confesses his. Then he acknowledges and appeals to God's nature -- His grace and willingness always to forgive. Finally, in one single, brief sentence, Nehemiah makes his appeal to God. The prayer is about so much more than asking. Most of it is about acknowledgement and taking responsibility and praise. He closes his prayer by making his request for success with the king. He leaves it up to God how best that success is achieved and what success means. And his prayer is answered.
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said:
"O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
"Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.'
"They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man."
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