Introduction

By Graham Hines

A Prayer Life like Daniel’s

Throughout Daniel’s Babylonian captivity, he and his friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were faced with many trials and tribulations. Throughout these trying times, Daniel never lost his focus on God and always relied on Him for guidance and deliverance.

Daniel also always gave the glory to God, never to himself. Daniel’s faith was built on his relationship and prayer life with God. Even when the stakes were raised, he did not give in to the decrees of man and continually prayed to his God, regardless of the cost. His prayer life built a faith that no man could shake.

Read Daniel 2:1-23

Once Daniel learned what the king was planning to do to all the wise men in the kingdom, he returned to his house with his friends and immediately started praying.

Is prayer the first thing you turn to when times get tough? Why/why not?

Do you involve your family, friends and other Christians in your prayers? Why/why not?

Does your prayer turn to praise of God once the trial is over? Why/why not?

Read Daniel 6:1-28

The Lord provided Daniel with wisdom and success, which made the other satraps jealous because he was looked on with such favour. So, they plotted against him the only way they knew how.

What was the first thing Daniel did when he learned of the new decree?

How did the example that Daniel set change the king’s mind?

How did the king then turn this into a praise of God?

Think hard about your prayer life

Are you speaking to God on a regular basis, or only when times get tough?

Do you find yourself praying the same, consistent prayers?

Or are you truly reflecting and having a conversation with God about your day, the concerns you have, or areas where you need help?

Are you praising Him for all the wonderful blessings you have in your life?

Building a prayer life like Daniel’s will only further strengthen our relationship with God. Prayer to God should be our ‘go-to’ when times get tough or we need advice.

Knowing that God is there for us will reduce the stress in our worldly lives and allows us to keep our eyes open for opportunities to help and demonstrate our faith to others.