PRAY LIKE DANIEL
As the prime minister for four Babylonian kings during a span of 70 years, Daniel held influence far beyond what was expected of a Hebrew slave in exile. However, he faced rivals and enemies throughout his journey. What was his secret weapon? We are told: "Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed" (Dan. 6:10).
Regardless of circumstances, facing Jerusalem, Daniel remained steadfast in his prayers to the God of his fathers. His prayer life was characterized by consistency and steadfastness, not sporadic or impulsive. Yet, his prayers were not uncontested. He encountered both visible and invisible antagonists – "royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors" of the empire who schemed to throw him to the lions (Dan. 6:6-7), and "the prince of the kingdom of Persia" who hindered his prayers in the spiritual realm for 21 days (10:13).
Daniel understood that invisible spiritual forces held sway over the world – the principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness of this age that Paul spoke of in Eph. 6:12. But he also had divine assistance. The archangel Michael came to his aid despite a three-week delay, and later, the angel Gabriel appeared to him while he prayed (Dan. 9:21). The persevering prayers of one man shattered the chains of Babylonian captivity, liberated Israel to fulfill its divine purpose, and influenced the course of global events in his time.
Through this account, we catch a glimpse of prayer as a contest between ministering angels and hindering demons. Unanswered prayer is not always a denial; sometimes, it is delayed due to invisible spiritual activity. Daniel's unwavering intercession on earth, even as the battle raged in the spiritual realm, ultimately secured victory.
One common challenge in our intercession is a lack of perseverance. Once we have prayed for something, we desire an immediate answer. When it does not come promptly, discouragement quickly sets in. Consider what would happen to a rock climber if the person holding the rope let go!
The Bible frequently emphasizes perseverance in prayer:
Regarding the apostles awaiting the promised Holy Spirit, it is written, "All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer" (Acts 1:14).
Describing the life of the early church, Luke writes, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42).
Paul the missionary asks the saints in Colossae to pray persistently: "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it... pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word" (Col. 4:2).
Summarizing God's will for all believers, Paul states, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thess. 5:17).
Addressing spiritual warfare, Paul advises, "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints" (Eph. 6:18).
Jesus Himself underscores the importance of not losing heart in prayer through two parables: the persistent neighbor who knocks in the middle of the night (Lk. 18:1-8), and the determined widow who wears down a callous judge (Lk. 11:5-8).
Learn to pray like Daniel and hold the ropes for your missionaries. The spiritual battle they fight hangs on it.