Nehemiah 2:4 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Then the king said, For what dost thou make request? Something thou wouldest have, what is it? The king had an affection for him, and was not pleased to see him dejected, and thus gave him encouragement to tell his mind. So I prayed to the God of heaven I silently in my mind besought God to direct my thoughts and words, and to incline the king's heart to grant my request.