Sermon Central
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Prayer Life Of Daniel Series
Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Jul 15, 2022 (message contributor)
Summary: Though Babylon was not suitable for prayer, no temple was there, no synagogue existed during his time. He had his scripture. Even though the palace was surrounded by images and idols of the Babylonian gods and goddesses, he never missed his prayer time.
Prayer Life of Daniel
Greetings: The Lord is Good and his love endures forever. Prayer of Jesus, Power of Corporate Prayer, Prayer of Paul, now the prayer of Daniel.
Joke:
A man asked God, ‘What’s a million years to you, O Lord?’
God replied: A minute
The man asked: What a million rupees to you, O Lord?
God replied: one rupee
The man asked: O Lord give me one rupee?
God said: Surly but wait for a minute.(Adopted)
Introduction:
Daniel was a very young man probably in his mid-teens; when he was deported and worked in the palace. He continued till he was eighty years old. He believed in private and corporate prayers, and he valued night prayers and practiced them (2:17–19). Daniel prayed on his knees three times a day (Daniel 6:10, Psalm 55:17). Daniel was highly esteemed (Daniel 9:23, and Daniel 10:11). He had a place for private prayer, he had time to pray and he had a position in prayer. And He was a consistent man in prayer.
Though Babylon was not suitable for prayer, no temple was there, no synagogue existed during his time. He had his scripture. Even though the palace was surrounded by images and idols of the Babylonian gods and goddesses, he never missed his prayer time.
His prayer teaches us that he had advantages through prayer, he had adversaries through prayer and he administered the nations through prayer.
1. Daniel had advantages through Prayer
Daniel was a youth without defects, good-looking, handsome, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding, discerning knowledge, and the ability to serve in the King’s court and learned literature and language (Daniel 1:4) introduction on him.
He was a university student who decided not to defile himself with the food habits of the College mess which were messed up with ungodly and unholy things (Daniel 1:8). He had the favor and compassion of the Leaders (Daniel 1:9). Daniel understood all kinds of visions and dreams (Daniel 1:17). He was ten times better than all the magicians, equals and cognized who were in all his realm (Daniel 1:20).
He was very successful under three kings and Kingdoms (Daniel 6:28). Daniel always replied with discretion and discernment (Daniel 2:14). Daniel took his friends to all places and positions he was holding; he advocated their promotion (Daniel 2:49).
Daniel had the spirit of the holy Gods and it was testified by the higher authorities and kings in Power (Danie 4:8-9). Daniel had illumination, insight, and wisdom from above (Daniel 5:11). He had an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretations of dreams, explanations of enigmas, and solving difficult problems (Daniel 5:12).
He rejected the gifts and rewards from the wicked kings (Daniel 5:17). Daniel began distinguishing himself… because he had possessed an extraordinary Spirit (Daniel 6:3). He stopped the mouths of Lions (Hebrews 11:33). He was known as a righteous man (Ezekiel 14).
2. Daniel had adversaries through Prayer
Daniel 2 throws the danger of life extinct for Daniel and his friends. However, he never panicked, was confused, and did not fear the circumstances. Coffman comments ‘This was a wonderful way, and the only way, that the believer should confront every crisis in his life. Like these Hebrew companions, let the believer go down upon his knees in prayer whenever the issues of life and death are involved and where unaided human effort is doomed to futility.’(Coffman)
The prayer life of Daniel has brought not only advantages but even numerous adversaries. Enemies plotted against Daniel and tried to fix him. They tried to find a ground for accusations in regard to government affairs, but they could not find any ground for accusation, or evidence of corruption, in as much as he was faithful, and they could not establish even negligence in his duties (Daniel 6:4).
If you are a man/woman of prayer, you will be a faithful employee to the unfaithful employer. Your colleagues may work against you, they may hinder your progress and peace. But God of the heavens is with you.
According to Enduring word Commentary, when everything failed for his adversaries, Daniel was ‘confronted with a test of loyalties. He was a loyal subject of his king, yet he knew that the King of Kings deserved a higher loyalty. Daniel refused to give to the government the measure of obedience that belonged to God alone.’ (Enduring Word).
Then we can understand that Daniel was not a men pleaser. He never compromised his life principle for the sake of survival. His principle was not the survival of the fittest but purest. His prayer was not to impress others but to implant revival for the nations.
“Prayer and praise should always go up to heaven arm in arm, like twin angels walking up Jacob’s ladder, or like kindred aspirations soaring up to the Highest.” (Spurgeon).
