Learning Daniel's Prayer SecretsSample

An Excellent Spirit

A spirit of excellence is to do things well, decent and in order. Excellence is asking, "Would God be pleased with this work?" Excellence is not the same as perfectionism. The NASB version of this passage, says Daniel "possessed an extraordinary spirit". To walk in a spirit of excellence is to go above and beyond what is required of you. It does not come naturally, we need God's strength.

Think about your life, your work, the way you take care of yourself, your home, your family, relationships, your involvement in the church and in the community. When people look at your life, are you complaining a lot about everything and everyone? Are you negligent, or always see how little you can do and still be 'accepted'? When we are negligent in one area of our lives, we will be in other areas as well. That does not mean we need to be perfect – no one on the face of the earth is perfect, but we can strive for excellence in a way that pleases God.

How can we be excellent in our generation?

Firstly, by living wholeheartedly and abundantly, seeking in everything to glorify God. But also, to proclaim God's excellencies! His goodness, His mercies, His righteousness, His faithfulness – there are so many characteristics of God to use in daily praising Him. The more we praise God for His excellencies, the more His excellence will grow and become visible in and through our own lives.

Remember, we cannot just claim to be a chosen race a royal priesthood a holy nation – we must LIVE IT! Are you living it? As you live it, you endear yourself with heaven, you become a greatly beloved one in heaven just like Daniel.

Will you not take some time today to sit down in prayer with the Lord. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you about areas of your life where you can live more excellently to glorify God. Write it down – start to pray into these areas of your life and pursue excellence with the Lord daily.