Quiet Time Coaching Episode 479 | New Thing Series — Part 34 | “Daniel’s Prayers - Part 1” | Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 479 | New Thing Series — Part 34 | “Daniel’s Prayers - Part 1” | 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.

 

“Then Daniel went to his home and informed his companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions with the rest of the wise men of Babylon might not perish. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night, and Daniel blessed the God of heaven.” (Daniel 2:17-19 NRSV)

 

“Then I turned to the Lord God, to seek an answer by prayer and supplication with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, “Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments,” (Daniel 9:3-4 NRSV)

“While I was speaking, and was praying and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God on behalf of the holy mountain of my God— while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen before in a vision, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice.” (Daniel 9:20-21 NRSV)

 

Daniel’s Prayer Confidence

• Daniel has good reasons to pray. In chapter 2 his life is on the line - along with the lives of all his friends. In chapter 9 he becomes fully aware of the shame of the people of Israel. Is there any hope for him and his people?
• One could forgive Daniel for avoiding praying to God. It appeared YHWH had abandoned his people. They had been invaded, deported and devastated.
• Yet, Daniel has confidence in God. He asks for mercy and clarity - and receives help.
• Indeed, the help comes quickly.

 

For Reflection

Jesus promised us swift answers to prayer.

 

“And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”” (Luke 18:7-8 NRSV)

 

Why is our confidence well founded?

 

“Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16 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.

 

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

 

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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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