Daniel is such an interesting character. Think about it. He spent his life in exile. He was cut off from family, friends (except for the three Hebrew children) and all that was familiar to him. He was given a life of public service and was never allowed to have a family of his own, meet personal goals or have personal wealth.
And yet, he remained thankful.
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.”
If you read the whole story of Daniel and the lion's den , you'll see that the administration searched and searched but could find nothing of which 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. I need to reiterate: Daniel was basically a slave living in exile, yet three times a day he gave thanks to God.
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. I need to reiterate: Daniel was basically a slave living in exile, yet three times a day he gave thanks to God.
God allowed Daniel to go 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 of the 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!
I'm sharing my post at Testimony Tuesday with Holly Barrett and also at #TellHisStory with Jennifer Dukes Lee.
* This post was adapted from an earlier post.
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I'm sharing my post at Testimony Tuesday with Holly Barrett and also at #TellHisStory with Jennifer Dukes Lee.
* This post was adapted from an earlier post.
Ah, yes!
ReplyDeleteI want to be found guilty of being faithful to God, just like Daniel was.
Oh, that my wrap-sheet would read: Studied the Bible diligently and prayed without ceasing.
There has been a lot of prompting on the subject of prayer recently. This is another good one!
ReplyDeleteI heard Anne Graham Lotz preach once ... and oh, was she incredible. No doubt that what she has written has been anointed by our Savior as well ...
ReplyDeleteHow convicting! The young woman whom I mentor recently asked me how long I pray each day. Immediately, the Holy Spirit gave me the answer for her....not long enough. Great post, Jerralea.
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