Lesson 8 - July Fourth Week
DANIEL’S PRAYER LIFE
Background Reading:
Psalm 4:1; Daniel 6:10; Luke 18:1; Romans 8:26; 1 John 2:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Devotional Reading:
Daniel 9:4-19
Central Verse:
“Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake.”
Daniel 9:17 KJV
“O our God, hear your servant’s prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary.”
Daniel 9:17 NLT
Key Terms:
Intercessory– Relating to or marked by prayer, petition, or entreaty in favor of another.
Intercede– To intervene between parties with a view to reconciling differences; to plead on behalf of another.
Pavillion– To furnish, cover with, or put in a large, often sumptuous, tent.
Introduction:
The Lord’s prayer is more than just a prayer. It is an invitation to live authentically in the will of God. It is an invitation to call the believer to a close relationship with the Father; for this prayer transforms the heart and has the power to bring light to dark places. Prayer is an intimate conversation with God and, as in most good relationships, communication is vital. Prayer is a blessing that God has given to those who are His children so He will hear and answer them.
The believer knows and realizes the importance of prayer. They know that it must have top priority in their life, because it is their access to God. There is power in prayer; for prayer is the most powerful weapon that a believer can have. They use prayer to praise and worship our glorious Lord and Savior. Daniel knew that in the situation he found himself in, prayer was the only path that would lead him to victory.
He was told that if the time ever came that he could not get to the temple in Jerusalem to just turn his body and look toward Jerusalem. Then God would hear and answer him. So, three times a day, he was faithful to that directive.
Discussion:
Sometimes God’s children find themselves in a position where nothing, nor anybody can help their situation. That is when they must realize that prayer is the key, and faith unlocks the door. Daniel had been taken into captivity in Babylon, and the Prophet Jeremiah had prophesied that God said they would be there for at least 70 years.
Meanwhile, Daniel remained faithful to holy living and obedience to God. He had been faithful to his prayer commitment and God blessed him time after time. Daniel knew that whatever was going on in his life, God knew about it. Nothing was a surprise to God, and, through prayer, Daniel knew he would come out victorious. God is a promise-keeper, and He promised never to leave, nor forsake His children.
God had used Daniel to reveal and interpret dreams for others and even given him dreams and visions. But everything that God had done for Daniel was because God loved him, and they had a solid relationship. Daniel knew how to talk to and listen to God. If the believer is going to be successful in their walk with God, they must know how to communicate with the Father.
At this time in Daniel’s life, 70 years were just about up, but there was not yet any indication of the promised return and restoration. Daniel did not sit back and wait for the promised restoration; he began to intercede earnestly with prayer and fasting for the fulfillment of God’s Word. Daniel knew that nothing would happen unless the believers fasted and prayed. He began his intercessory prayer by recognizing the awe-inspiring greatness of God. His faithful love and covenant mercy is shown to those who love and obey Him.
Then Daniel made his confession, identifying himself with the people of Israel who had sinned and rebelled against God. He asked for Jerusalem’s restoration, not because of any righteousness on the part of himself or Israel, but “for the Lord’s sake.” When God responded, He demonstrated His great mercy and loving compassion as a God who fulfills His promises.
In many countries today there are conflicts that only God can intercede and fix. The leaders of the countries are making decisions that are not good for the common people. God is yet inviting His children to come to Him like Daniel did and make their requests known unto Him. He is yet waiting for believers who will ask Him for help and believe that He is the one to help them. For in the time of trouble, He shall hide His children in His pavilion.
Daniel had learned the answer to conflicts when he learned to pray to the God of the Universe. But Daniel did not just wait until he had a problem, he had made prayer a way of life. Jesus said, “men ought to always pray and not to faint”(Luke 18:1).
Conclusion:
When adversity comes – pray. When the winds and waves come – pray. When the storms come, and even before they form – pray. Every leader needs to learn to pray these three prayers: search me, send me, and break me. The Holy Spirit is always ready and willing to help you through each of these requests. As you connect with Him through prayer, you can discover the life-changing power of His presence.
When life seems uncertain, the believer can turn to God with their anxieties and concerns, even when they don’t know the right words to pray. God will always be true to His promises of joy and peace that surpass all understanding. Believers know how important and powerful prayer is. They know that prayer changes things and their perfect example to follow is Jesus, who was always praying.
Daniel stands as a testimony because he has always been celebrated for his faith, faithfulness, obedience, and accomplishments. In the grace of God and the flaws of men, the Bible reveals that when sin reigns darkest, God’s grace will shine brighter. For God’s grace not only forgives, but it also transforms believers.
Questions:
1. What motivated Daniel’s prayer life?
2. What was he told about the restoration?
3. How can a believer always pray?
4. When Daniel made the confession of sin, why did he include himself?
Essential Thought:
Prayer is the key to the kingdom;
faith unlocks the door.