Prayer of Courage

With the institution of a new king and empire (Darius the Mede, King of Persia – whose historicity is highly debated), Daniel faces another situation of opposition as the expression of his faith and his life is threatened. Daniel is so favoured by God, and excels in what he does so much that his peers (the satraps) try to get him killed!

Yet, Daniel courageously continues to pray, as he always had, consistently and unashamedly. Daniel’s foundation of consistent prayer is what built his great trust in God’s character.

Daniel’s foundations of consistent prayer enabled him to take courage in these times of opposition. If our prayer life ebbs and flows based on our situations (e.g., “Things are tough, so I will pray more”), we will struggle each time we face challenges. We will be rebuilding courage through a tough situation rather than being able to tap into a well of courage. This well is only created by a foundation of consistent prayer that establishes convictions and courage within us, ready for whatever opposition we face. Paul makes this clear in his letter to the Ephesians:

“Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…”
- Ephesians 6:13,18

How do we make our courageous prayer consistent?

The first thing to do is find a rhythm.

Prayer should have a more than a monthly or even weekly rhythm; it should be a daily rhythm that you establish with consistency. There is a reason why the Lord’s Prayer says, “Give us today our daily bread”. Prayer is a daily practice.

- Daniel had a rhythm by which he prayed. Chapter 6 tells us that it was three times each day.

- Jesus Himself often woke up early to pray (Mark 1:35).

Daniel and his friend’s rhythm of prayer gave them confidence, courage, and strength in the face of the lion and the flames. Their rhythm allowed them to be confident and established in God, who answers them according to his will. Their consistent prayer allowed them to build such a strong relationship with Yahweh that they were able to cry out in the face of persecution, "the God we serve is able to save us but even if he doesn’t, we will not serve your gods..." (Daniel 3:16-20).

We are going to look at two more things we need to keep our prayer consistent in our next devotion.

Prayer for today

Lord, I ask that you would help me to set up a rhythm of prayer so that it is consistent. Help me to consecrate the time that I have to you and set aside a time to be with you in prayer.