Quiet Time Coaching Episode 480 | New Thing Series — Part 35 | “Daniel’s Prayers - Part 2” | Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 480 | New Thing Series — Part 35 | “Daniel’s Prayers - Part 2” | Malcolm Cox

 

Introduction

A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'

 

We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Daniel. Today we explore Daniel’s prayers - part 2.

 

“Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open toward Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously.”

(Daniel 6:10 NRSV)

 

Daniel’s Prayer Courage

• Daniel is conscious of the risks. he knows that, “whoever prays to anyone, divine or human, for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions.” (Daniel 6:7 NRSV)
• Daniel is aware that people will be watching him. But he sticks to his predictable schedule, and keeps the windows open.
• “He does not court martyrdom, but when disaster threatens he remains steady:”  Towner, Interpretation, 83. 
• It is significant that the threat of doom does not make Daniel more religious, but that he simply continues with his wholehearted devotion.  This is a man whose habit is to be fully committed. 
• Why Jerusalem? Jerusalem, to the readers, is not only a holy city with a significant past, but it is about the future.  To not turn towards Jerusalem would be to admit there was no vision, no future, no hope.  Daniel cannot countenance such a thing because he knows his God and that there is always hope, there is always a future. 

 

For Reflection

Sometimes the worst time to pray is the best time to pray. Take the example of Jonah,

 

“Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish, saying, “I called to the LORD out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.” (Jonah 2:1-2 NRSV)

 

I imagine I would've been scrambling around in the stinky, claustrophobic darkness looking for a way out of the fish. Instead, Jonah prays.

 

Or what about the example of Jesus:

 

“Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:46 NRSV)

 

Conclusion

I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

 

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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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