DAY 19
Day Nineteen: PRAY UNCOMPROMISINGLY!
Luke 18:1 and Daniel 9:1-3
Luke 18:1 “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up” (NIV).
Daniel 9:3 “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes” (NIV)
As a child, I was taught to pray with my head bowed, eyes closed, and hands folded. In college I sang in a choir that traveled to various churches. The first time I traveled with them we had a prayer meeting in the car, and to my dismay, the driver prayed with his eyes open. All of us were glad he did, but as a new believer in Christ, I wondered if God really heard his prayer. I have since learned that praying with my eyes closed is a helpful way to avoid distractions, but it isn’t mandated in Scriptures.
In the Bible it tells of people praying while standing, sitting, kneeling, looking upward, bowing down, and lifting their hands. We can pray anytime, anywhere, or any place. We can pray in the quietness of our home, while we are working, or even when driving in traffic (however, it is not recommended that you close your eyes while driving and praying!) So, there is no specific correct mode or kind of prayer, and prayer isn’t limited to your location or circumstances. We are commanded to pray always (“Pray continually”- I Thessalonians 5:17 NIV). That includes any kind of prayer, on any subject, at any time of the day or night.
Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 9:1-19 illustrates the key elements of effective intercessory prayers. Daniel prayed in the first year of the reign of King Darius. Daniel was among the captives originally transported to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. Throughout the lengthy captivity period, he never forgot he was God’s child and always represented God properly despite his difficult circumstances. He was a man of uncommon wisdom and courage. His trust in God was unwavering and his commitment to prayer uncompromising – even when his prayers could have cost him his life, he remained immovable (Daniel 6:4-11).
As a result, God protected him, exalted him, and was glorified through him as evidenced by King Darius’ decree that everyone in the kingdom was to fear and tremble before Daniel’s great God (Daniel 6:26). Since Daniel understood the priority of prayer, he refused to be intimidated or distracted from it. His commitment is worthy of our imitation. Can you say that about your prayer life? If everyone followed your pattern of prayer, would God’s Kingdom be strengthened?
Heavenly Father, we pray for consistency in our prayer life. Teach us to share every aspect of our life with You and pause to hear Your voice. May our life be reflective of the power of our prayer time with You. Remind us to pray for those around us with authority and strong immovable faith.
Prayer Points:
Personal: That our prayer life would be consistently strong
Community: Boldness for Christians across the nation
