Continual Prayer

10 But when Daniel learned that the law (decree) had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. 11 Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help.

Daniel 6:10-11 (NLT).

Daniel grew up during King Josiah’s spiritual reforms of Israel’s southern kingdom of Judah (2 Kings 22 and 23). After King Josiah’s death, Judah returned to committing sin and evil before God. Eventually, Judah was invaded by King Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian army and many of Judah’s wisest men and most beautiful women were taken captive. Daniel was part of those captives along with his friends, Hananiah (called Shadrach), Mishael (called Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego). Daniel and his friends assumed important positions while in Babylon.

Daniel was a wonderful example of faith, wisdom, and courage. Even while in Babylon, Daniel established a reputation for wisdom, integrity, and absolute confidence in God. Daniel worked hard and faithfully served several pagan kings, including Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus (see also Colossians 3:22-25). Moreover, Daniel ate carefully and lived prayerfully. He ate simple yet healthy meals of fruits, vegetables, and water and indulged in persistent prayer to God (Daniel 1:8–17). Daniel’s main lifestyle choices was a decision to continually pray and give thanks to God ─ three times a day since his “early days” (Daniel 6:10). Daniel had a regular and disciplined prayer life that clung to God. Daniel did not hide his daily prayer routine from his enemies. He prayed because he could not look to the king or any other human for the guidance and strength. Only God could provide what he really needed. He even continued to pray to and trust God when that meant being thrown into a den of hungry lions (Daniel 6) and facing deadly threats from King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2). Daniel was persistent in his prayers to God and grateful when God answered his requests. When facing trouble, Daniel did not shrivel in fear. Instead, Daniel confidently believed in the living and all-powerful God to answer his prayers for help.

Even more, Daniel would gather his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and pray to God for His intervention (Daniel 2:17–18, see also Philippians 4:6). Daniel and his friends knew that God is all merciful (Daniel 2:18), answers prayer (Daniel 2:19–23), gives help and guidance (Daniel 6:10-11); provides wisdom (James 1:5); and reveals secrets (Daniel 2:28). These Jewish boys knew prayer is more powerful than panic when facing a challenge or struggle because prayer confirms your hope in God.

After God answered Daniel’s prayers, Daniel praised and thanked God for giving him wisdom and knowledge (e.g., Daniel 2:20-23). Daniel also gave God credit and praise as all wise and powerful. So like Daniel, we must continually seek and desire God’s face each day. All the more, we must pray regularly as prayer is our lifeline to God. God is the Ruler of the world and we all need to be completely faithful to Him.

Come To God!

12 For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a Discerner of the thoughts and intents (desires, attitudes) of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. 14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest (Jesus Christ) who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace (with confidence), that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:12-16 (NKJV).

Prayer is our approach to God, and we can come to God “with confidence” because of Jesus. Some people approach God afraid to ask Him to meet their needs. Others pray jokily, giving little thought to what they say. The Holy Bible teaches we are all to come to God with humble reverence and respect because God is the eternal King. But also we are to come to God with confidence and assurance because He is our Provider, Refuge and true Friend. Even more, we can come to God because of His Son, Jesus. When we trust our own efforts to provide our needs without God’s power, we are in danger of defeat. Our own efforts and works are never adequate.  Only with God’s power and strength are our efforts acceptable and victorious. Only through faith and trust in God will we find our rest, heart peace and victory. 

The Word of God is alive, life-changing, powerful, active and true. God's Word enters into the core of our human heart and spiritual life and discovers our innermost thoughts, motives, intent, and desires, both good and evil. Nothing can be hidden from God. The Word of God speaks to our hearts and souls giving life-giving communication and direction. God knows about everyone, everywhere and knows all our innermost thoughts. Even when we are unaware of His presence, God is there. No one or secret can hide from God (Psalm 139).

But, Jesus as our Great High Priest has gone to heaven itself to help us; therefore let us never stop trusting in Jesus. Jesus has ready access to God because He is seated in the very presence of God the Father. As both God and humanity's Representative, Jesus understands our weaknesses because He lived on earth as a human too.  Jesus pleads, makes intercessions and negotiations for humans before God (Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 13:20-21) for our needs. Jesus is always at God's right hand and He is always available to hear us when we pray to God the Father. So, humans can come boldly and confidently to God at any time, especially when we truly need help, because of Jesus, our great Intercessor.

Let us continually come before God. Jesus has opened the way for humans to enter God’s presence to obtain God’s mercy and grace for all our needs. Open your hearts to God and trust Him for your help! Do not harden your hearts by resisting God, but instead remain faithfully committed to God (Father, Son – Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit).
 

Extra Life

1 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover." 2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3 "Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion (served You single-mindedly) and have done what is good in Your eyes (pleases God)." And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: 5 "Go and tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. 6 And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city. Isaiah 38:1-6 (NIV), see parallel references at 2 Chronicles 32:24-31; 2 Kings 20:1-11.

King Hezekiah of southern Israel (also called Judah) became extremely ill to the point of death.  The Prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah of his coming death. When Hezekiah learned of this destiny, he immediately turned to God in prayer. Hezekiah knew that that prayer brought deliverance and forgiveness (see Isaiah 37:14–20). God answered Hezekiah’s prayer by allowing him to live another 15 years. Even more, Hezekiah experienced God’s double miracle of healing and deliverance. God had spared King Hezekiah’s life and Judah.

Over a 100-year period of Israel’s history (732-640 B.C.), King Hezekiah was the only faithful king. Because of his faithfulness to God, God healed Hezekiah and saved his city from foreigner attackers, the Assyrians. Hezekiah’s life reveals that genuine faith, humility, and prayer directed to God can change any situation. Never hesitate to ask God for help. When life’s pressures challenge you or when everything is going wrong, do give up but turn to God. God can always change the course of our lives too in response to our genuine and humble prayer for help. God does listen! So turn your heart to God, walk faithfully with and trust Him. As Hezekiah learned, life and good health are gifts from God that the Lord God can withdraw at any time. God has the power of life and death (James 5:15).

Finally, never be prideful or boastful, but honor and praise God for His goodness (see 2 Kings 20:12-19; Psalm 15). After Hezekiah’s healing and deliverance, Hezekiah offered a prayer of thanksgiving (Isaiah 38:10–20).

Trust In God Alone!

God provides richly with His many blessings. We can all completely trust God in all circumstances (Psalm 9:10; Psalm 33:21 13:5; Psalm 20:7; Psalm 21:7; Psalm 32:10; Psalm 33:21; Psalm 52:8; Psalm 143:8; Psalm 17:7; Psalm 36:7). Even during trials and other struggles, God can help us if we call on Him. Prayer releases our pressures in times of stress. Sincere faith and prayer directed toward God can change any situation. So pour out your hearts in honest prayer to God (Lamentations 2:19).

The Lord God rescues, cares for, and rewards people who trust in Him (Psalm 7:1; Psalm 16:1; Psalm 25:20; Psalm 26:1; Psalm 31:1-2, 4, 19; Psalm 34:22; Psalm 37:40; Psalm 86:2). Absolute strength is found in God alone and at all times. Psalm 62 teaches not to put our trust in people, status, or riches. Money, power, or prestige can never find you true relief. God is our Rock, Salvation, Defense, Glory and Refuge (Psalm 62:2, 7).  Importantly, God will work as we trust Him and let Him guide our way. So, reject foolishness, evil and sin, and pursue of God’s way of living (Psalm 31:19; Psalm 37:3, 5; Psalm 115:11). Only trusting God and working for Him brings true inner happiness (Psalm 62:12). 

1 I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him. 2 He alone is my Rock and my Salvation, my Fortress where I will never be shaken. … 5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. 6 He alone is my Rock and my Salvation, my Fortress where I will not be shaken. 7 My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my Refuge, a Rock where no enemy can reach me. 8 O my people, trust in Him (God) at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our Refuge. Psalms 62:1-2, 5-8 (NLT).

Taking Time For God

23 With the crowd dispersed, He (Jesus) climbed the mountain so He could be by Himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night. Matthew 14:23 (The Message Bible) (see parallel passages at Mark 6:46 and Luke 5:16)

Jesus often took time away from the crowds and His busy schedule to pray to God the Father (e.g., see Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:28). Seeking privacy with God was an important priority for Jesus. People were congregating to hear Jesus teach and to have their diseases healed. Despite the large crowds that often followed Him, Jesus often withdrew to quiet, solitary places to pray. Jesus made time in His schedule to be alone with God the Father to maintain His close spiritual union with God.

Many things demand our attention. Like Jesus, we should take time to withdraw to a quiet place to pray. Prayer time with God supports our spirits and provides strength to meet our daily tasks and struggles. We all need to spend time alone with God in prayer. Our strength comes from God alone, and we can only be empowered by spending time alone with God in prayer. Jesus relied on prayer. If Jesus needed to pray much, how much greater must our need for prayer. To increase your strength each day, get alone in prayer to God first!

Stop Complaining and Tell God!

1 The people fell to grumbling over their hard life. God heard. When He heard His anger flared; then fire blazed up and burned the outer boundaries of the camp. 2 The people cried out for help to Moses; Moses prayed to God and the fire died down. Numbers 11:1-2 (MSG)

The wilderness was a difficult time for the people of Israel as they headed to the Promised Land. The people often grumbled and complained about their hardships (Exodus 15:24; Exodus 16:2; Exodus 17:3; Numbers 11:4; Numbers 14:2; Numbers 16:3; Numbers 20:3; Numbers 21:5). God had generously provided for the people’s needs during their wilderness journey. Yet, their complaints were driven by ungratefulness and lack of faith (See Philippians 2:14–15).  God heard the people’s complaints and His angered blazed. In His displeasure, God sent the fire of His judgment to consume some of the people. Fire is often a sign of God’s presence and judgment (e.g., Exodus 19:18; Deuteronomy 4:11; 1 Kings 18:38; Psalm 11:6; Jeremiah 4:4; Ezekiel 1:13; 2 Peter 3:12).

However, the people complained among themselves and not to God first! Yet, Moses took his problems to God, and God answered Moses’ complaints. Nothing is accomplished when we complain to one another about our problems.  But God can solve our problems if we will take our problems to Him. We all need to take our problems and everything else to God in prayer.  God has the answers to solve our problems! 

True Religion Is Both Inward and Outward

15 From now on, when you pray with your hands stretched out to heaven, I won’t look or listen. Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear, for your hands are those of murderers; they are covered with the blood of your innocent victims. 16 "Oh, wash yourselves! Be clean! Let me no longer see you doing all these wicked things; quit your evil ways. 17 Learn to do good, to be fair and to help the poor, the fatherless, and widows. 18 "Come, let’s talk this over!" says the Lord; "no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool! 19 If you will only let me help you, if you will only obey, then I will make you rich! 20 But if you keep on turning your backs and refusing to listen to me, you will be killed by your enemies; I, the Lord, have spoken." Isaiah 1:15-20 (The Living Bible).

The prophet Isaiah preached to an Israel that appeared to be religious people. They prayed, attended religious feasts, fasted, and offered sacrifices to God. These religious acts were prescribed by God and very important to Him. Yet, these same people perverted justice, oppressed the poor, turned from God to idols, and looked for military help other nations and not from God. God rejected their religious practices and worship to Him. Their worship was corrupt and filled religious hypocrisy, social injustice and un-confessed sin (Leviticus 19:13-17). Even worship, their worship to God was not from an obedient heart (see Proverbs 21:27; Psalms 40:6-8; Micah 6:6-8)!

As long as the people of Israel continued to sin, they isolated themselves from God. God did not abandon Israel, but their sins cut themselves off from Him. The prophet Isaiah encouraged the people to restore a meaningful relationship with God by genuinely repenting of their sins, turning wholeheartedly to God, obeying His Holy Bible, and regularly praying to Him (see also Psalm 140:13; 1 John 1:9).

God desires a sincere faith and devotion to Him from our whole hearts and not just shallow outward rituals (see Deuteronomy 10:12-16; 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Psalm 51:16-19; Hosea 6:6). Our outward religion means nothing to God when they come from someone with wrong motives and a corrupt heart. God wants us to truly love Him, trust Him, and turn from our sin and evil; then He will be pleased with our outward religion acts of time, prayer, money, worship and service. The very prayers of the unrepentant sinners are rejected by God.

Scarlet or crimson is deep-red, and its stain is virtually impossible to remove from clothing and other fabrics. Like scarlet or crimson, the stain of sin is equally permanent, but God can remove all of sin's stain from our lives. God promises that if we are willing and obedient, He will forgive us and remove our most impossible stains of sins (Psalm 51:1-7). As our loving Heavenly Father, God offers a cleansing of the heart along with a life-changing grace, forgiveness and mercy. God (Father, Son – Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit) stands ready to cleanse and forgive all who will turn to Him.

True religion has both an inward and an outward dimension:  genuine heart repentance and social justice. God wants everyone to genuinely turn away from sin, stop doing evil, and totally turn to His way. God’s way includes doing good, defending the fatherless, helping the widow, helping the poor and seeking justice (Isaiah 1:16–17, 21–23; Isaiah 3:13–15).
Many years after the prophet Isaiah, Jesus Christ preached the same sermon to the people. He instructed them to seek justice, mercy, and love (Matthew 23:1-36; see also 1 Corinthians 3:1-23; James 1:21–2:13). Like the prophet Isaiah, Jesus Christ calls us to obey God, be honest and authentic before God and with others, and have both an inward AND outward love for God and people.

God is gracious and forgiving, and He stands ready to cleanse us and to forgive us when we turn to Him. If we are willing to turn from our sins (repentance) and to continue to be obedient (confession), then God will shower us with His full blessings, riches and grace. To rebel and continue in sin brings certain and immediate judgment upon ourselves.
So, let us all let our religion be both inward from the heart and outward to loving actions for others!