DAY 2 Daniel’s Faithfulness in Prayer

Thankfully, God is gracious and always willing to do His good work in and through us! Consider Psalm 51:10,12 where King David prays… “Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” Make this your prayer!

Read Daniel 6:10-18 a. WHY did Daniel pray?

1. What did Daniel do when he learned about the decree?

2. Daniel is an amazing example of a dedicated prayer life. Let’s look at what we observe of Daniel’s prayer life and what these other verses say about the why, when, where, and how of prayer.

Hebrews 4:14-16

James 4:7-10

1 John 5:14-15 b. WHEN did Daniel pray?

Psalm 5:1-3

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Matthew 14:23 c. WHERE did Daniel pray?

Psalm 63:6

Matthew 6:5-6 d. HOW did Daniel pray?

Luke 11:1-4

John 10:27

Colossians 4:2

Philippians 4:4-7

3. What lessons can we learn from Daniel about the practice of prayer in our own lives?

4. What do you observe about King Darius’ words and actions? How has he been impacted by Daniel’s life?

5. It’s hard to imagine what was going through Daniel’s mind as he was thrown into the Lion’s Den. How do we resolve to stay true to God when we are thrown to the lions?! (1 Peter 4:12-19)

Day 3

Daniel’s Deliverance

1. How did God miraculously intervene?

2. List everything the King did and said in the order it occurred (make sure to note references to time):

3. This event demonstrated the faith of Daniel. What lessons about faith can we learn from this?

4. A new decree was issued that all people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. What does it mean to fear and reverence our God Almighty? What does the fear and reverence of God look like in your life?

Daniel demonstrated his resolve to stay true to God by continuing to worship in spite of the king’s edict. The one true God rescued Daniel and used Daniel’s faithfulness as a witness to the pagan king and the pagan culture.

• Warren Wiersbe writes, “The most important part of a believer’s life is the part that only God sees, our daily private time of meditation and prayer.” In what ways do you agree or disagree with this statement? Spend some time thinking about the part of your life that only God sees. Do you have a daily private time? Do you spend time with the Lord each day in meditation and prayer? If not, how can you make time in your schedule to simply be with the Lord?

• As Daniel faced the threat of the lion’s den, he could look back on his spiritual journey and remember God’s faithfulness. Make a list of the ways Daniel experienced/witnessed God’s faithfulness throughout his life, according to Daniel 1-6. In what ways have you experienced God’s faithfulness in your own spiritual journey? How can these experiences strengthen and encourage you as you face trials today?

Prayer

Lord, You are the living God! There is nothing out of Your control and nothing is out of Your reach. You are a refuge, a shield, and You rescue those in need. There are days when I feel the world’s statutes upon me, pressing in on every side and I feel discouraged and without hope. Forgive me for shrinking in defeat instead of pressing into You through prayer. I ask that You restore me today, develop in me a heart for prayer that reaches for Your mighty right hand, graciously extended to me so I can be filled with wisdom and knowledge through your Spirit. Help me to stay true to You, holding firmly to my faith in Jesus Christ, even if it means I may suffer temporary consequences. I would much rather be pleasing in Your sight than compliant to the world around me. Thank You Jesus for miraculously calling me out of darkness and into glorious Light. Because I have You with me, I shall not fear the days ahead for I can do all things through You who strengthens me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:13 NLT

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:2 NIV

On Right Now Media you can access Kay Arthur’s teachings on Daniel: Dare to Be God’s Messenger . Session 20 is recommended.