Tuesday, October 20, 2009

What's On Your Mind '09 - Prayer - Just Like A Clock



Today's challenge from Shane at Heart Reflections:

Daniel 6:10: “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”

Do you take God seriously? Do you cry out to God for everything? Read through Daniel’s story. What moved you? How can it change your own prayer life?

I have always loved the story of Daniel. What a guy! What a testimony!

If you read the whole chapter, you'll see that the administration searched and searched but could find nothing to accuse Daniel. Nothing except he prayed too much!

If people searched my life today, could the only thing they'd take exception with be my prayer life?

I personally think that Daniel prayed all the time, just as I do. I keep a running conversation with the Lord all day long. However, Daniel also made a point of praying intentionally. He prayed formally three times a day with the windows open toward Jerusalem. I wonder if he did it in that manner so as to be a testimony for those around him?

Another thing I noticed, the bible said he prayed giving thanks. Three times a day, every day, just like a clock, Daniel made a point to find something to be thankful and gave God praise.

Well, you know the story. Daniel went through the trial of being put in a lion's den with very hungry lions. Yet, God, stopped the mouths of the lions and kept Daniel safe.

Would the story have turned out differently if Daniel had not been a man of prayer? A man of thanksgiving?

The bible says that satan is like a hungry lion seeking whom he may devour. We need to take seriously being in close communication with God. It should be an utmost priority.

Let me be intentional about giving my Lord praise, intentional about asking him for help just like Daniel did. Daniel 6:11 says that Daniel was found praying and asking God for help.

I'd like to be found praying and asking God for help the next time a trial comes my way!

4 comments:

  1. Yes. I want to be that predictable, too.
    I love it when my kids ask me to pray for people or situations of which they have become aware. Because it tells me they know I pray. And I want to be known for praying.

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  2. I love this. Especially the part about praying all day but being INTENTIONAL.

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  3. I think Daniel was just the role model we need. Time in prayer means no time for getting into trouble. Instead of grounding our children, maybe we should make them go to their room and pray for awhile. Ok, maybe that might not work but it was worth a try.
    God Bless, you Jerri. I think you are a good role model for your children. You may not see it now, but they are watching you and they know the right way. Just hang in there.

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