What did Nehemiah do just before answering the king's question, "What is your request?"

Answer: Prayed to the God of heaven

When the king asked his request, Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven and then asked to be sent to rebuild Jerusalem.

““What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.””— Nehemiah 2:4-5 (BSB)