Astonishing Prayer

Today, we will look at the example of Daniel, known in Babylon as ‘Belteshazzar.’ His prayer life is described, alongside his character, as unwavering in the Book of Daniel. Even in a foreign, pagan land, this man of God remained steadfast in prayer and, likely as a result, steadfast in persecution.

Daniel is a remarkable figure in Scripture. He is celebrated for his unwavering godliness despite the godlessness of Babylon; his character is consistently recognized as God-honoring, and nowhere in scripture is any moral failure mentioned when speaking of this man of God. To our knowledge, Daniel ran his race faithfully. What was his secret? Let me suggest this answer:

Daniel’s astonishing prayer life cultivated lasting faithfulness in his life.

Here is what we know about Daniel from the scriptures:

• He held fast to his God-honoring convictions despite societal influence (Daniel 1).

• He prayed three times per day (Daniel 2:17-18; Daniel 6:10).

• He credited God with his giftedness (Daniel 2:27-30; 4; 5).

• He trusted God despite religious persecution (Daniel 6).

• He was ten times more successful than the best of his land (Daniel 1).

• He was recognized by others for his exceptionalism (Daniel 5:12-14; 6:3).

• He was trusted by multiple generations of leadership (Daniel 1:18-19; 5:29; 6:28).

• He was faultless, according to his peers (Daniel 6:4).

• He had prophetic discernment (Daniel 7-12).

• He was not influenced by luxury (Daniel 5:17).

• He chose death over compromise (Daniel 6:10-23).

What a legacy! What a reputation! Daniel’s life is nearly identical to the kind of life described in the words of the prophet Jeremiah:

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8

Such is the description of the one who meditates on God’s Word, day and night, keeping out of step with wickedness (Psalm 1:1-3). Whatever they do prospers. So what was Daniel’s secret? Regardless of the context surrounding Daniel’s upbringing, there is no doubt that his devout prayer life bolstered his confidence in the Lord and his steadfastness. Daniel prayed consistently, three times per day, in such a regimen that his adversaries were able to utilize his consistency against him. Talk about a blameless walk! Imagine your arch enemy having to use your prayer life to frame you for wrongdoing — astonishing!

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Father, remind me in times I take your Word for granted to recenter on You. Teach me to develop a consistent practice of prayer. I know there is no better habit to instill in my life — help me overcome my moments of unbelief.