Daniel

by J.A. Hickling, Portslade, U.K. | Category: Some Prayers Of Scripture | Oct 1983

As one thinks about Daniel, at least one chorus taught in early years readily comes to mind:

Daniel was a man of prayer.

Daily he prayed, three times,

Even though they had him cast

In a den of lions.

Here, in a nutshell is stated the secret of Daniel's prayer-life. Daniel was aware of the strength that came from communication with his God and not even the decree of the king would turn him from his pattern of praying.

As a young man, Daniel found himself in exile in Babylon, following a Babylonian attack on his home city, Jerusalem. The divine record does not give details of Daniel's origins, where or how he learned to fear the God of Israel. But that he did fear God and His commands is evident from the opening verses of the book that bears his name. Quite early on we read "but Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine" (Daniel 1:8 NIV). Daniel gained respect as an interpreter of dreams and many years later was appointed under king Darius to be first President in the Persian kingdom (chapter 6). He was found to be such an excellent administrator that the king had the idea of setting him over the whole of his kingdom. It is small wonder that his fellow administrators in their jealousy devised a plot to denigrate and trap him.

Daniel was not to know at this time what would soon confront him. He chose to follow a straight course well-pleasing to God, a course founded on prayer

three times a day even when facing the den of lions! What was the secret of Daniel's inner strength? Is the answer in Daniel 6:22? He was blameless before God and man. Although having more chequered experiences, David was a man of similar faith and he expresses his feelings in so many Psalms 34 and 55 for instance. Both these men had learned that prayer is not a one-sided affair. We have also our part to play in our daily lives before the Lord.

If we walk daily in the fear of the Lord, He will hear and answer according to His wisdom and will. If we are unfaithful or sin wilfully, we may forfeit blessing, though His mercies are very great. If we seek to live before Him a life that gives Him pleasure and "keep short accounts with God" then we can expect to be heard and we shall be blessed.

When God revealed to Daniel that He would "accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem" (Daniel 9:2 AV), the effect on Daniel was dramatic:

see Daniel 9:3-5. It is interesting to note that, in spite of his high position in the kingdom of Darius, his heart was not proud. He immediately associated himself with the sins and transgressions of his people. He knew he was not immune from sin, but the point is he was ready to confess this. And while he prayed, none less than the angel Gabriel was sent to him from heaven with reassuring words. Certainly "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16 AV). The attitude of Daniel before God is one that we should try to emulate, for God will graciously honour it.

J.A. Hickling, Portslade, U.K. | Oct 1983
Some Prayers Of Scripture