John Trapp on Nehemiah 2:4

Verſe 4. Then the King ſaid unto me] Some think that Nehemiah looked thus ſad before the King on purpoſe, to make way to this his requeſt.

For what doeſt thou make requeſt?] Not for any other honour or great office about the Court, or in the Countrey: nor for any private friend, or the like, but the good of the Church. Thus Nebridius in Hierome (though a Courtier and Nephew to the Empreſſe,Tom. 1. Ep. 6. yet) never made ſuit but for the relief of the poor afflicted. Thus Terence, that Noble General under Valens the Emperour, being bidden to aske what he would, asked nothing but that the Church might be diſempeſtered of Arians. And when the Emperour, being himſelf an Arian, tore his Petition, he ſaid he would never aske any thing for himſelf, if he might not prevaile for the Church.Theodor. l. c. 32.

So I prayed to the God of heaven] Darting up an ejaculation, a ſudden and ſecret deſire to God, to order and ſpeed his Petition. Begin all with prayer; and then expect a bleſſing. Call in the Divine help, if it be but by darting out our deſires to God.Crebras habere orationes, ſed breviſſimas & raptim ejaculatas. Thus Moſes cryed to God, yet ſaid nothing, Exod. 14.15. Hannah was not heard, and yet ſhe prayed. Auſtin reports the cuſtome of the Egyptian Churches, to pray frequently and fervently, but briefly, and by way of ejaculation, ne fervor langueſceret, leſt their heat ſhould abate.