10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?” The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” (Daniel 6:10 -12)
We end our focus on Prayer this week by looking at an example from the Bible. The story of Daniel in the lions’ den is a popular one. The passage above describes the circumstances leading up to Daniel being thrown into the den. It is likely that none of us have ever faced a challenge to our commitment to prayer of the severity that Daniel faced. Of course, we know that Daniel never wavered from his commitment.
Please prayerfully reflect on the example of Daniel and compare his resolve to yours.
Something to think about:
If you were accused in a court of law of being truly committed to prayer, what evidence from your normal practice would the prosecutor present to find you guilty?
February 28, 2018 at 4:23 am
The prosecutor’s evidence would be based on his/her findings vis-a-vis the following questions:
(1) Did I intentionally commit the act?
(2) What supporting evidence is there to prove that I committed the act?
(3) How did I commit the act?
(4) Where did I commit the act?
(5) When did I commit the act?
(6) Do I have any witness or witnesses to testify on my behalf?
(7) Based on the evidence in court, would the Judge pronounce me guilty or innocent?
SO HELP ME GOD!!
February 28, 2018 at 5:08 am
The prosecutor would produce: the following as evidence:
1) My prayer shawl.
2) They came to my home around 5 in the morning and 10 at night and found me praying.
3) They came to the University and found me praying before and after I do discipleship and evangelism.
February 28, 2018 at 7:56 am
Probably none! Prayer is a private activity for me. Unless you talk to the people I pray with or for there isn’t much evidence. Unlike the prayer practices of Daniel’s days and certain religions, I find my prayers to be behind closed doors or enclosed within my mind.
February 28, 2018 at 12:09 pm
Well I am private but now at my lunchtime I am in my office doing this and may say a few prayers but then my office is private.
The evidence would be my prayer books on my desk .
February 28, 2018 at 1:18 pm
He can ask a lizard! Every morning around 6:30 a.m. ( I’ve named him sixthirty) he comes in to my bedroom where I read and pray. I’ve noticed him ( and most likely he has noticed me) because he has been consistent and so have I. Daniel is a really good example – “just as he had done before.”
February 28, 2018 at 9:03 pm
Observable habits that will allow anyone to have an expectation or make a prediction, e.g quiet time.