“The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.“
“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?”” Daniel 6:7, 10-12 NIV
God of help,
Amazing. These leaders and managers and important people were all afraid of Daniel, an enemy taken carried to their land and forced into service. Because to quote from the book of Daniel, “They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.” So they appealed to the vanity of their King knowing the commitment of Daniel to His God.
Amazing that prayer became their weapon of choice. I am sure they did not think that what Daniel was doing in his window was powerful and personal and his provision. He made sure they saw Him. He made sure he was committed to regular prayer and he made sure they did not change his prayer practice. He still gave thanks. My I am not sure I would do the same. Given trouble I usually become a frantic, please help me , sort of prayer!. But You know that God!
Prayer is our secret weapon. Many think it is a nice thing to do and comforting. We know it cuts through lies, strengthens the soul and allows us to ask You for divine help. They should have been afraid when they saw Daniel on His knees. A million things hinder us from prayer. None of them is becoming a lions dinner . . . Help us to just pray as we go.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of help,
For family, friends, neighbours, our church family. Those living in our neighbourhood.
For our town, our local council and the prosperity of the surrounding area.
For Putin and the end of war in Ukraine.
For Gaza and an end to the latest conflict. Not to escalate, for those caught in the middle of the bombardment.
For help, relief and comfort for those hit by the earthquake in Afghanistan, and for the devastated areas in Libya and Morocco. For all the aid and medical agencies.
For our Government and our King. Sincerity, honesty and openness. Uncover all that is not right.
For those who are picked on at work or treated unfairly for justice. For those who are corrupt wherever they may be, show them up for what they are and grant justice.
For our own needs for today and this week. Be our Good Shepherd.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Wednesday 11th October 2023
Had to be this
Standing by a purpose true,
Heeding God’s command,
Honour them, the faithful few!
All hail to Daniel’s band!
Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known.
Many mighty men are lost,
Daring not to stand,
Who for God had been a host
By joining Daniel’s band.
Many giants, great and tall,
Stalking through the land,
Headlong to the earth would fall,
If met by Daniel’s band.
Hold the Gospel banner high!
On to vict’ry grand!
Satan and his hosts defy,
And shout for Daniel’s band.
Lyrics: Philip P Bliss
In 1876, a Chicago Sunday School teacher named Philip Paul Bliss wrote a song to help teach his students about Daniel and his friends.