Nehemiah 2:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Prayer must be offered 'in spirit and in truth' (John 4:23-24), and even when vocal prayer ends, our thoughts and hearts should continue in communion with God. ‘And the king asked me, ‘What is your request?’ I prayed to the God of Heaven and responded to the king: ‘If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors' graves, so that I may rebuild it’ (Nehemiah 2:5).’ ‘Pray without ceasing’ (1 Thess. 5:17).