Prayer Life Of The 'Man Greatly Beloved'

by ELLIOTT, M.S. | Category: Old Testament Insights Into Prayer | Sept 2003

A man greatly beloved

Three times (9:23;10:11 & 10:19), Daniel is addressed as 'greatly beloved'. Without doubt, such a commendation reflected his life-long commitment and discipline in prayer. As we consider the life of Daniel, we cannot fail to see how his prayer life anticipates that of the Lord Jesus who each day committed His ways to God as 'the learned' (Is.50:4). The word 'learned' has the thought of one who is taught as a disciple.

In addition to the three-fold commendation as the greatly beloved there are three other Old Testament references to him in the book of Ezekiel where, in 14:14,20, he is noted for his righteousness and in 28:3 for his wisdom. These two attributes are seen in his outstanding life and prayer exercise.

Daniel had been born into the royal line of Judah and was of noble birth (1:3,6). He lived at least until the third year of Cyrus, 536 BC (10:1), 69 years after he was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 BC. He must therefore have been only a young man when the events in Daniel chapter 1 took place, perhaps in his early to late teens.

Purpose of heart

Out of the many who were taken into captivity only four are mentioned by name: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (1:6). Although Nebuchadnezzar made abundant provision for all their needs, Daniel was soon demonstrating the absolute trust in his God that would direct his actions life-long. He 'purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies' (1:8a). His overriding desire was to please God, no matter what the cost, and this was to be an outstanding characteristic no matter what the circumstances were throughout his long life. So it was that God brought Daniel into the favour and goodwill of those he dealt with and his early stand was vindicated when after the period of testing, Daniel and his friends were found to be far more advanced than all their contemporaries in the matters on which a stand had been taken.

The second year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign proved to be a time of further challenge for Daniel and his friends. How appropriate it is to recall the words of the apostle Paul to the young man Timothy, 'continue in the things which you have learned � that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work' (2 Tim.3:14,17). Although far away from home and family, Daniel was sustained by the Word and prayer. When the need arose Daniel was indeed equipped for every good work. The king's dream (chapter 2) resulted in the exposure of the so-called 'wise men of Babylon' (2:14) and the exaltation of Daniel and his three friends. The decree had already been issued by Nebuchadnezzar authorizing the execution of all the wise men. Yet Daniel knew his God and boldly went in before the king to ask for time that he might be able to give the king the interpretation. There is no sense of panic in Daniel's request, but even at this early stage in his spiritual development a deep sense of trust and knowledge of the God he served. How true are the words of Daniel 11:32, '"� the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits."'

Fellowship in prayer

Although the Scripture teaches the importance of personal, private prayer (Mat.6:6), fellowship in prayer exercise is also something to be encouraged. So it is that Daniel shares his prayer burden with 'Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret' (2:17b,18). We are not told how long they prayed, but the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision, evidently the same night (2:19). Daniel's response is instructive, for firstly he praises God for answered prayer and secondly he acknowledges God's wisdom and might, evidenced in the revealing of the dream and its meaning to Daniel.

How important to remind ourselves that, in times of need, we can individually and collectively approach God in prayer for His guidance and direction in our lives. How necessary also to remind ourselves of the importance of giving the praise and glory to the One who delights to answer prayer.

'"I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers;

You have given me wisdom and might,

And have now made known to me what we asked of You"' (2:23).

Praying as was his custom

Practices established in early years are likely to become life-long exercises. So with Daniel his early exercise in prayer became an integral part of his very busy life. The incident that highlights Daniel's deep spiritual life is one of the best known and loved in the Scriptures and occurs some 65 years after the events of Daniel chapter 2. Daniel is therefore in his late 70s or even early 80s. The events surrounding what is commonly known as 'Daniel in the Lions' Den' are recorded in chapter 6 and are well-known. Darius the Mede (5:31) was deceived by his governors into signing a decree which made him the sole object of worship for 30 days, for Daniel's critics knew he was a man of integrity and, as far as Daniel was concerned, they would find no charge against him unless it was concerning the law of his God (see 6:5). What a powerful testimony he had maintained even until old age! How true are the words of Psalm 92:12,14 'The righteous � shall still bear fruit in old age.'

Darius signed the written decree. Daniel went home to pray. How poignant are the words of chapter 6 and verse 10, 'Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.' There was no sense of fear or uncertainty: rather, the outworking of the truth that

'"the just shall live by faith;

But if anyone draws back,

My soul has no pleasure in him"' (Heb.10:38).

The very day the decree was issued, Daniel prayed, as had been his custom since early days. We are not told what the content of his prayer was, but we can be sure Daniel committed everything into God's hands for His guidance and deliverance as God saw was best. Surely this is the essence of prayer, seeking to be in the mind and will of God.

Darius tried frantically to save Daniel, but was held to the legal position by his satraps. The ensuing night was one of restlessness for king Darius, but of total calm and safety for Daniel. How plaintive were the words of the king the following morning, '"Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from lions?"' Yes, indeed, '"My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths"' (6:20,22). Hebrews 11 verse 33 reminds us that, by faith, lions' mouths were stopped. How powerfully an all-powerful God intervened in the affairs of men. Nothing is too hard for Him (Jer.32:17, 27). God does intervene in the things of this world. Three times Daniel tells us 'that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men' (4:17,25 & 32). Our responsibility, like Daniel, is to pray for kings and all who are in authority, recognizing that 'God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth' (1 Tim.2:2,4). In pursuance of such teaching, many today suffer persecution for the sake of the Lord, but how true are the words of the apostles, '"We ought to obey God rather than men"' (Acts 5:29).

Request by prayer and supplications

As we come to chapter 9 we read of Daniel searching the Scriptures to gain understanding of the seventy years' desolation of Jerusalem. Prayer must be made in the will and purpose of God so, having read and understood, Daniel set his face toward the Lord God to make request, 'by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes' (9:3). Here is a remarkable prayer of intercession on behalf of God's people. Daniel links himself directly into the prayer as he acknowledges God's greatness (v.4) and the people's sin (vv.5-8), pleads for forgiveness and mercy (v.9) and acknowledging their disobedience to the revealed will of God (vv10-16). He ends his prayer by pleading for God to grant blessing for His name's sake. A marvellous answer was given to his prayer, for Gabriel was sent in response to his supplication to reveal to Daniel God's future plans for His people.

'"O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act!"' (9:19). As we have briefly traced Daniel's example in prayer and his confidence in seeking the Lord's blessing and guidance in our lives, we would do well to make these words our own: 'O Lord, hear, forgive, act!' We also live in difficult and perplexing times. Our God is able. Are we, like Daniel, willing to be men and women of prayer?

ELLIOTT, M.S. | Sept 2003
Old Testament Insights Into Prayer