SEARCHLIGHT
Can you explain to someone what prayer is all about?
SCRIPTURE
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. Daniel 6:10,11 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
Throughout my life I have spoken with many people who would like to pray, but for many different reasons, they are hesitant to pray. Some feel inadequate. Others feel unworthy. Still others believe that God would not want to talk to them because of things they have done. And then there are those who believe there is a certain “God” vocabulary that must be used in order to pray.
Because I am a pastor, I often pray in public. It is not uncommon for people to express that they wish they could pray the way I do. The truth is that I do not pray in any special way other than what the Bible teaches about prayer.
In today’s Scripture focus, we meet Daniel who gives us insights on how to pray. He is just one of many examples in the Bible. Here is what we learn from this man who was so devoted to God.
- Prayer is connecting to God! Daniel communed with God. Some people claim to commune with nature. Daniel had communion with the Creator of all nature. He enjoyed having a personal relationship with God. This allowed him to share his deepest thoughts and feelings with his Creator.
Being in communion with God means you are in union with God. The word “union” is the root of the word “communion.” “Union” expresses oneness between two people. “Communion” describes an intimacy and closeness with someone. Christians celebrate holy communion which is an expression of being one with God and being very close to God.
Union to God precedes communion with God. To be in union with God begins with humility. Daniel knelt to pray. His physical position reflected the position of his heart. To be in union with God also includes gratitude. Daniel gave thanks to God. Before asking God for help, Daniel worshiped and praised God for His greatness and goodness.
Pray connected. Be in union with God so you can enjoy praying in communion.
- Prayer is consistently connecting to God! Communion with God was a regular part of Daniel’s life. Today’s Scripture focus tells us that Daniel prayed three times a day. In chapters two and nine, we also see him praying. Prayer was more important to this man than food. He ended up in the lion’s den because of his consistent prayer life. Prayer was how Daniel received God’s strength, peace, power and direction to live in an ungodly world.
Do not forget that Jesus Christ consistently prayed. He would leave his disciples and go off into the hills to pray. Jesus communed with his Heavenly Father just as He had taught the disciples to pray.
Just like Daniel and Jesus, you need to consistently pray. Guard against praying just when you are in a squeeze. Develop a habit of prayer at the beginning of the day, throughout the day and at the end of every day. Pray so you do not become prey. Someone put it this way… “Do not face the day until you have faced God… Without prayer no work is done well… Daily prayers lessen daily cares.” Talk to God daily. Don’t let the sun rise or set without communing with your Maker. As you consistently pray, you will come to appreciate these personal conversations with God. They will become very special. God longs to have regular conversations with you.
- Prayer is confidently connecting to God. Daniel confidently asked God for help. Intimacy and intensity marked Daniel’s prayer times. His confidence resulted from his communion with God. Communion with God meant he could freely ask God for anything, anytime and anywhere.
Talk confidently to God the way you would talk to your best friend. Children who pray to God view prayer as a direct conversation with a loving, powerful figure just like a parent. They pray about things that are important to them in the moment. And so should you!
Learn to pray with confidence. The Bible teaches you to confidently pray. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” [Hebrews 4:16 NIV]
LEARNING ABOUT PRAYER will lead you to conclude that prayer is one of life’s greatest privileges. God longs for you to pray. He so wants these personal conversations with you. And God is the best listener. He will never cut you off. Will you learn to pray like Daniel?
SOMETHING TO DO
To learn to confidently pray, you must read your Bible. The New Testament believers studied Scripture. [Acts 6:4] Take time to read Hebrews 13:6, 10:19-22, Matthew 7:7-11, John 14:13,14, John 15:7 and Ephesians 3:12. Bible study will teach you to boldly pray without doubt.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for providing union between You and me. You have made it possible for me to have communion with You through Your Son, Jesus Christ. And thank You that we can speak together about anything. You know me better than anyone. I am blessed to know that You listen to me pray and answer my prayers. AMEN