Introduction:
Nehemiah's prayer is a profound example of intercessory prayer found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Nehemiah, chapter 1. This prayer is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and reflects Nehemiah's deep faith, humility, and reliance on God. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, is moved by the plight of his people and the desolation of Jerusalem, prompting him to seek divine intervention.

Context:
The historical context of Nehemiah's prayer is the period following the Babylonian exile. The Jewish people had returned to Jerusalem under the decree of Cyrus the Great, but the city remained in ruins, and its walls were broken down, leaving it vulnerable to enemies. Nehemiah, residing in the Persian capital of Susa, receives a report from his brother Hanani about the dire state of Jerusalem, which deeply troubles him.

Structure and Content:
Nehemiah's prayer is recorded in Nehemiah 1:4-11. It is structured as follows:

1. Introduction and Emotional Response (Nehemiah 1:4):
Nehemiah's immediate reaction to the news is one of deep mourning. He weeps, fasts, and prays for several days, demonstrating his heartfelt concern for Jerusalem and his people.

"When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven." (Nehemiah 1:4)

2. Invocation of God's Character (Nehemiah 1:5):
Nehemiah begins his prayer by acknowledging the greatness and awesomeness of God, who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and keep His commandments.

"Then I said: 'O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments.'" (Nehemiah 1:5)

3. Confession of Sin (Nehemiah 1:6-7):
Nehemiah confesses the sins of the Israelites, including his own and his father's house. He acknowledges their disobedience to God's commandments, statutes, and ordinances.

"Let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer that Your servant is praying before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. 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." (Nehemiah 1:6-7)

4. Remembrance of God's Promises (Nehemiah 1:8-9):
Nehemiah recalls God's promise to Moses that if the Israelites return to Him and obey His commands, He will gather them from the farthest horizons and bring them to the place He has chosen as a dwelling for His Name.

"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 keep My commandments and do them, then even if your exiles have been banished to the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My Name.’" (Nehemiah 1:8-9)

5. Petition for Success and Favor (Nehemiah 1:10-11):
Nehemiah concludes his prayer by asking God to grant him success and favor in the presence of King Artaxerxes, as he plans to request permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls.

"They are Your servants and Your people, whom You redeemed by Your great power and mighty hand. O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and to the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success today, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (Nehemiah 1:10-11)

Theological Significance:
Nehemiah's prayer is a model of humility, repentance, and reliance on God's faithfulness. It underscores the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty, confessing sin, and recalling His promises. Nehemiah's approach to prayer reflects a deep trust in God's ability to intervene in human affairs and a commitment to aligning his actions with God's will. This prayer not only initiates the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls but also signifies a spiritual renewal among the people of Israel.