“…at the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved.” (Daniel 9:23) This was what Gabriel said to Daniel, in addition to many other things, in response to Daniel’s prayer. What had Daniel prayed? He had fasted and poured out his heart to God confessing his own sin and that of his countrymen. He had begged for mercy. God noticed Daniel’s prayer from on high and was pleased by it. Prayer was a priority for Daniel. He nearly got eaten by lions over his prayer life. Eaten by lions!
Are you a woman (or man) of prayer? I so want to be!
If we truly understood the importance of prayer, we would likely never neglect it.
We are doing battle in the spiritual realm – in the unseen. We do not even know when it makes a difference much of the time. We might feel like it accomplishes nothing since we cannot always see the results. It is hard work too! If God does not really need our help, why do it? Because He invites us into building His kingdom. I do not know why, except that maybe He wants us to have ownership in it? Or maybe it changes us into the image of Christ? Or both? We are commanded to pray, and who else are we going to look to but God Himself? These problems are bigger than anyone except Him. Our prayers, especially those like Daniel’s, please God. Is that not reason enough?
I am praying for revival in this country, for the end of trafficking, for the fall of Planned Parenthood, for the peace of Israel and Ukraine, and many other people and situations. I hope you are too. Revival begins in our hearts with confession and submission to Jesus’ authority. Intentional seasons of fasting go along with this. We can make a big difference right from our prayer closets. Big changes because we have a big God Who is waiting for us to ask Him to move. We have not, because we ask not. Jesus said so.
Daniel did not get exactly what he requested even though he was greatly loved and favored by God. But I do not believe his prayers were for naught. God had much bigger plans (some terrifying) than Daniel could imagine, but no telling what a difference Daniel’s prayers made.
The Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. I do not think we maximize that enough. Like prayer, this is another mystery we do not fully understand. I believe it though, and many of my prayers are out loud. I want the Enemy to know I’m on to him and praying against him in the Name of Jesus.
What do you think? Are you a woman (or man) of prayer?
joyce hague
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