FRIDAY, MAY 11
Daniel 6:10-11
Psalm 27:1-9

“The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear? …”

DANIEL’S PRACTICE OF PRAYER

Let us look again at Daniel’s prayer. There are lessons for us all.

1. Normal daily habit: Daniel faced the crisis calmly. Without fear or panic he sought the refuge of his prayer chamber as his normal daily custom was. This is a good example for us. We should not wait until some disaster strikes before we will go on our knees before God. Let us all do this daily, and see how our faith will grow. Start today!

2. Toward Jerusalem: Why this “directional” prayer? Can we not pray without facing Jerusalem? Daniel and the Jews in exile had a special reason for doing so. At the dedication of the Temple of Jerusalem, Solomon foresaw the day of Israel’s captivity and God’s redemption. Therefore in his prayer he prayed for his people to return to God in their captivity “… and pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen …” (1 Kings 8:48). Turning toward Jerusalem reminded the Jews of their God-given heritage. Jerusalem and the Temple lay in ruins, but Daniel’s faith was unshaken. He continued in faith, confident that Jerusalem was God’s abode, the theocratic centre of the earth. Today, our hearts should be directed always towards God’s throne of grace.

3. Three times a day: This is a good practice, according to David’s psalm: “As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice” (Ps 55:16-17).

4. Thanks before God: Not only in peace but in trouble, let us give thanks to God. “… in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving …” (Phil 4:6). “In every thing give thanks …” (1 Thess 5:18). Gratitude does honour to God.

While his enemies pressed their charges against Daniel before the king, Daniel prayed on his knees before the Lord.

THOUGHT: How is my prayer life?
PRAYER: (Use Psalm 112:7.)