Nehemiah 2:4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
In Babylon, Nehemiah had heard reports of the poor condition of the returnees in Jerusalem and the city in disrepair. He was cupbearer to the king, and one day in his presence he appeared troubled and sad. The king asked him what was wrong, for he had never appeared so before. He told him that Jerusalem lies in waste and the walls and gates broken down.
When the king asked what he requested, Nehemiah immediately prayed to God. He knew that by himself he was not wise enough nor strong enough to respond, so he prayed. With little time to think he immediately prayed. He records in this book that he stopped what he was doing to pray nine different times.
Nehemiah prayed at any time, even while talking to others. He knew that God is always in charge, is always present, and He hears and answers every prayer. He could confidently pray throughout the day because he had established an intimate relationship with God during times of extended prayer.
When we need to reach God with our emergency prayers, we need to take time to cultivate a strong relationship with Him. Constant prayer becomes instant prayer. We pray about anything, anywhere, any time, living a live of prayer and thanks. “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [Philippians 4:6].”