July 21 – Pray Without Ceasing

Daniel 6:10 – 11

When Daniel learned that the decree had been signed and posted, he continued to pray just as he had always done. His house had windows in the upstairs that opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he knelt there in prayer, thanking and praising his God. The conspirators came and found him praying, asking God for help.

How many times a day do you pray? Although 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 was written long after Daniel’s time, it is as if he was following this: We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (NASB). Pray without ceasing. Daniel only formally prayed three times a day, but he likely had an attitude of prayer continually. That is how we should view praying—an attitude of constant prayer. We can ‘talk” to God anytime anywhere without even closing our eyes, and without even speaking out loud. God likes to “hear” our prayers and I’ve come to realize that He especially likes to hear His Word prayed back to Him. God is speaking in Psalm 91:15-16, promising to hear and answer our prayers: "He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation" (NASB). In Isaiah 55:11 God promises: “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”(NASB) While you are in Isaiah 55, look at verse 6, too. Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near (NASB). Such good advice—seek the Lord while He may be found. Daniel certainly did as he prayed three times a day. There may come a day when people will be too late to seek the Lord—so do it now. Like Daniel we need to humbly get on our knees, thank God, praise Him and ask Him for help.
Lord Jesus, I am seeking You. Help me to find You not only in Your Word, but in everything I do and see around me. Just like in Daniel’s time You are worthy of my praise and adoration today—all day, every day.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.