Devotion In Prayer

When Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.

Daniel 6:10

As a result of Daniel’s simple act of continuing devotion to God, the entire course of a nation and human history was altered. It was not his eloquence, his physical strength, or his vocation that had such an impact on the world. No, God used the most basic exercise of the human spirit —turning to him in prayer —to accomplish what no army could ever hope to achieve. We often make the mistake of thinking that “ministry” is something God expects us to do for him. However, the work of God is to believe in the One whom the Father has sent. Jesus calls to us, “Come to me.” It is our continued prayer, faithful “abiding” in Christ, and growth in intimacy with him in the face of the adversities on earth that will result in our victory and the world’s deliverance. Flesh begets flesh. Only the Holy Spirit can produce the fruit that will glorify the Father in the Son.

FATHER, help me to trust in you this day and to recognize your intimate presence with me and in me. Give me devotion and tenacity in prayer, the kind Daniel had. May I abide in constant communion with you, even while I’m working to do all that is before me with excellence, and may I ever heed your call to “come.”

The potency of prayer hath subdued the strength of fire; it has bridled the rage of lions, hushed anarchy to rest, extinguished wars, appeased the elements, expelled demons, burst the chains of death, expanded the gates of heaven, assuaged diseases, repelled frauds, rescued cities from destruction, stayed the sun in its course, and arrested the progress of the thunderbolt. SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (CA. 347–407)

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The One Year Bible Readings for today are Daniel 6:1-28; 2 Peter 3:1-18; Psalm 119:129-152; and Proverbs 28:21-22.