Episode 2750 - Lesson 6 - Sunday May 03 - Faithful Daniel

Faithful DanielDaniel is one of the great heroes of the Bible. We know the first story, too (see Daniel 1): “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies” (Dan. 1:8, NKJV). Also, to Daniel and his three friends, “God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams” (Dan. 1:17, NKJV). The Bible describes Daniel as wise (Dan. 1:20; Dan. 2:14, 21, 23, 48) because the Spirit of God was in him (Dan. 4:9, 18; Dan. 5:14; Dan. 6:3), and he was greatly beloved by Heaven (Dan. 9:23, Dan. 10:11). These are some descriptors of a man who had a strong, abiding connection with God.In Daniel 2, when King Nebuchadnezzar issued a death decree to all wise men in Babylon, Daniel sought God’s mercy concerning the secret of his dream (Dan. 2:18). When God revealed the king’s dream to Daniel, he immediately prayed.Read Daniel 2:20-23. Why did Daniel pray, and what can we learn from this prayer?As the years passed by and kings rose and fell, Daniel remained an advisor to the kings and was described as distinguished “because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm” (Dan. 6:3, NKJV). “He was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him” (Dan. 6:4, NKJV). Despite fierce jealousy and evil plotting (Dan. 6:5-9) from his peers, Daniel remained ever constant and fearless in his prayer life.Read Daniel 6:10-11. What do these verses tell us about Daniel?When faced with difficulty, Daniel prayed. Although the threat was against his life, he was consistent and persistent in prayer (three times every day, as was his custom), and predictable (at his open window three times a day as he prayed toward Jerusalem). His prayer was a physical act (he knelt) and focused on thanksgiving and supplication.In light of a story like this, how weak are your excuses for not praying?