EquipHer Vol. 19: "5 Biblical Building Blocks for Business Leaders"ಮಾದರಿ

Day 1 – The Principle of Prayer

Have you ever felt the weight of a dream placed on your heart, yet at the same time felt completely inadequate to achieve it? Or have you ever stood before something so big you didn’t even know where to start?

If so, you're not alone. At some point, many of us face a project or a vision that seems bigger than ourselves. This is exactly how Nehemiah felt when he learned that Jerusalem’s walls were in ruins. It was a burden far too heavy for him to carry alone. Yet, Nehemiah models for us the best way to approach these moments: he paused, turned to God, and intentionally entrusted everything to Him in prayer (Nehemiah 1:4).

What made Nehemiah’s prayer special is the way he chose to speak to God. He didn’t just offer a generic request. First, he pauses to acknowledge who God is, praising Him as the “great and awesome God who keeps His covenant and loving kindness” (Nehemiah 1:5). It's as though Nehemiah is reminding himself—and us—that no matter what we're facing, God is greater.

Then Nehemiah does something perhaps surprising: he explicitly recalls God's promises found in Scripture. He does this because he knows God is faithful and always keeps His word. Jeremiah 1:12 tells us that God “watches over His Word to perform it,” giving us the confidence that every dream God places in our hearts comes with His faithful promises attached.

Finally, Nehemiah makes two specific requests to the Lord: that He would hear the cries of His people and grant Nehemiah favor with the king—the one person who had the authority to help him (Nehemiah 1:11). Notice that Nehemiah doesn't directly pray for the walls to be rebuilt; rather, he prays for the circumstances that would make the rebuilding possible. How often do we focus only on the end result, forgetting to ask God for all the steps and resources we need along the way?

One more valuable lesson Nehemiah teaches us is patience. Though his desire to help his people was urgent, he didn’t immediately rush to the king. Instead, he prayed and fasted, waiting intentionally for the right time to act (Nehemiah 2:1). His waiting wasn’t passive—it was active and focused, completely dedicated to prayer.

Maybe you already have clarity about what God is calling you to build, but you wonder if it's truly the right time. Remember, intentional prayer and waiting on God’s timing is never wasted; it’s a crucial step that sets you up for success.

Reflection Questions:

• What is the dream or project you feel God has placed on your heart right now?
  Write it down—even if it feels impossible—and begin intentionally praying over it regularly.
• Are you intentionally praying for the people who will be impacted by your dream?
  Just like Nehemiah prayed for his people, it's essential to start praying now for those who will be involved or touched by your initiative.

Practical Tip:

Focused Prayer Journal: Dedicate a few minutes each day to intentionally bring before God the practical needs of your project: people to involve, financial resources, timing, favor in relationships. Write down the answers you receive and watch how God moves in the details of your journey.

Prayer: Lord, the dream You've placed on my heart feels so big that it scares me, but I recognize that You are greater than all my doubts. Today, I choose to place everything in Your hands, trusting fully in the promises of Your Word. Give me the courage to ask for specific things and the patience to wait on Your perfect timing. Thank You that, through prayer, I am building a solid foundation for my future. Amen.