Topical Bible: Prayer: Daniel

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Introduction

The Book of Daniel, found in the Old Testament, provides a profound insight into the life of Daniel, a man of unwavering faith and prayer. Daniel's life and experiences offer a rich tapestry of lessons on the power, persistence, and purpose of prayer. His account is set during the Babylonian exile, a time of great challenge for the Israelites, and his commitment to prayer serves as a model for believers.

Daniel's Devotion to Prayer

Daniel's dedication to prayer is evident from the outset of his account. As a young man taken into captivity, Daniel resolved to remain faithful to God despite the pressures of a foreign culture. His commitment to prayer is first highlighted in Daniel 2, when King Nebuchadnezzar demands the interpretation of his dream. Daniel, along with his companions, seeks God's mercy through prayer: "Then Daniel went to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, urging them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon" (Daniel 2:17-18). God answers their prayers, revealing the mystery to Daniel in a vision.

The Discipline of Prayer

Daniel's prayer life is marked by discipline and consistency. In Daniel 6, his commitment to prayer becomes a focal point when a decree is issued forbidding prayer to any god or man except King Darius. Despite the threat of being thrown into the lions' den, Daniel continues his practice of praying three times a day: "Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before" (Daniel 6:10). This act of faithfulness not only demonstrates Daniel's unwavering devotion but also his trust in God's protection and sovereignty.

Intercessory Prayer

Daniel's prayers often extend beyond personal petitions to include intercession for his people. In Daniel 9, he offers a heartfelt prayer of confession and supplication on behalf of Israel. Acknowledging the nation's sins and seeking God's mercy, Daniel prays: "We have sinned and done wrong. We have acted wickedly and rebelled; we have turned away from Your commandments and ordinances" (Daniel 9:5). His intercessory prayer reflects a deep concern for the spiritual state of his people and a desire for their restoration.

Revelation Through Prayer

Prayer in the Book of Daniel is also a means through which God reveals His plans and purposes. Daniel's visions and interpretations are often the result of earnest prayer and seeking God's wisdom. In Daniel 10, after a period of fasting and prayer, Daniel receives a vision and a message from an angelic being, providing insight into future events: "Do not be afraid, Daniel, he said, for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them" (Daniel 10:12). This underscores the importance of prayer as a channel for divine revelation and guidance.

Conclusion

The life of Daniel exemplifies the transformative power of prayer. His unwavering commitment to prayer, even in the face of adversity, serves as an enduring example for believers. Through prayer, Daniel not only maintained his relationship with God but also influenced the course of history, demonstrating that prayer is a vital and powerful tool in the life of a believer.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 9:3,19
And I set my face to the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Daniel "Made a Marriage for his Son. "
... sat down in the temporary verandah, where they spent a happy half-hour with the
wedding party in religious conversation and prayer. Daniel was full of joy. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter twenty daniel made a.htm

Daniel, the Praying Captive
... Then follows the record in those Old Testament Scriptures of Daniel's prayer, so
full of meaning, so simple in its utterances, so earnest in its spirit, so ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/x daniel the praying captive.htm

The vision of the Son of Man.
... It is not the Church of God which is in question, but Daniel's People, Israel. This
People had been the subject of Daniel's prayer (Daniel 9:4-19). ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the vision of the son.htm

Daniel: a Pattern for Pleaders
... This prayer of Daniel was not offered without consideration. ... And now one other
thing. The prayer of Daniel was a prayer of holy nearness. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/daniel a pattern for pleaders.htm

A Double Wrestling Match.
... So Daniel plans a bit of time for special prayer, a sort of siege prayer. Remember
who he is"this Daniel. He is the chief executive of the land. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on prayer/a double wrestling match.htm

The Kingdom in Captivity
... date. VI. Difficult Prophecy of the Messiah: 9:24-27. VII. Daniel's Prayer:
9:1-19. 1. With what acts is his prayer accompanied? 2 ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/vi the kingdom in captivity.htm

Of the Power of Prayer.
... [8960] What more then, touching the office of prayer? ... [8945] Routh would read, "What
will God deny?". [8946] Daniel 3.p>[8947] Daniel 6.p>[8948] 1 Kings 18. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on prayer/chapter xxix of the power of.htm

Of Time for Prayer.
... such a duty; so that"what we read to have been observed by Daniel also, [8930 ... to
take food, and not to go to the bath, before interposing a prayer; for the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on prayer/chapter xxv of time for prayer.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... The prayer of Daniel, in the time of the captivity, commences with adoration,
and proceeds with confession, supplication, and intercession. ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Daniel
... These facts so conclusively suggest a late date for the book that it is unnecessary
to emphasize Daniel's prayer three times a day with his face towards ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/daniel.htm