Nehemiah prays

The first chapters of Nehemiah tell of the Jews rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem following their return from Babylonian captivity. In chapter 4, a local Samaritan mocks the rebuilding effort, saying (Nehemiah 4:2, NLT),

Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices?

Nehemiah responds with a short prayer that begins (Nehemiah 4:4, NLT),

Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked.

And the rebuilding effort continues to completion.

When we feel our faith being tested, perhaps even mocked, by the ways of this world, turn to the sacrifice of prayer. It worked for Nehemiah, and it can work for us!