O Lord, I beseech You, may Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name, and make Your servant successful today and grant him compassion before this man.
Now I was the cupbearer to the king. Nehemiah 1:11
Nehemiah is one of the great illustrations of a servant-leader. He identifies himself as cupbearer to the king (Artaxerxes). But, in reality, he is cupbearer to the King of Kings. Oh we need so many more today. His heart is compassionate and concerned for the things of God. He is courageous, but humble. He is willing to do the hard work necessary before him and still ask for help. He is willing to confront evil. He learned that critics never built anything. He is faithful and faith filled.
Do I delight to revere God’s name? Is He whom I desire to make famous?
God, I pray that You would grant me compassion before those with whom I need great favor. You can move the heart of a king like a watercourse. Move the hearts of those to help me for Your name’s sake. I am content to be Your cupbearer.
