Purpose Study Bible 351: What's Your Plan?
Nehemiah went into a prolonged time of prayer after he heard about the state of Jerusalem, and this is how his prayer ended:
"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.” I was cupbearer to the king (Nehemiah 1:11).
Nehemiah's prayer indicates that he had a plan in mind. He was preparing to present it to the king, and Nehemiah was praying that God would grant him favor when he did.
The point is that Nehemiah had a plan and that enabled him to pray a specific prayer. He knew what he needed and as we will see, God blessed him every step of his way. This is reminiscent of when Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51). It would seem obvious what a blind man would ask, but Jesus still required that the man articulate what he had faith that Jesus would do.
Nehemiah sensed he was to become involved in Jerusalem's restoration, so he gave thought to what he would need to do and what he would need to do it. Jesus further said, "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:14). So what is your plan according to your purpose? Are you clear? Are you bold in prayer for the favor and resources you will need to do it?
Prayer wasn't a substitute for Nehemiah's plan, and his plan wasn't a substitute for prayer. He needed both if he was going to move from burden to action. Nehemiah did what he could do—plan, pray, and petition—and trusted God to do what He could do—give him favor with the king. Now it's time for you to follow his example and petition heaven for what you need to get the job done that God has given you to do according to your purpose.