Integrity Is Devoted to Prayer - Evangelical Caucus/Devotional

Gracetoyou.org ^ | 1997 | John McArthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

“Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God” (Daniel 6:10-11).

There is a direct link between prayer and integrity.

It is no coincidence that those whom God uses most effectively are those who are most fervent in prayer. David, for example, called upon the Lord in the morning, at noon, and at night, and the Lord heard his prayers (Ps. 55:17). Daniel followed the same pattern, praying three times a day from his roof chamber, where he could look out above the rooftops of Babylon toward Jerusalem.

Houses in Babylon often had latticework over their windows to allow ventilation, and Daniel would be visible through that latticework as he faced Jerusalem, prayed for its restoration, and gave thanks to God. He knew that Darius had issued a decree making it illegal to pray and that violating the decree would give his enemies opportunity to accuse him, but he would not forsake prayer or compromise his convictions. He would continue to call upon the Lord and leave any consequences to Him.

That was a bold decision for Daniel to make, especially in light of the punishment he would face. Would you be as bold if you knew that your prayers would lead to persecution and possible death? Perhaps more important, are you that committed to prayer even when you aren’t facing persecution? I trust that you are. The seriousness of the spiritual battles you face requires faithfulness in prayer. That’s why Paul said, “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2).

Suggestions for Prayer

Are you devoted to prayer? If not, begin today to set aside a specific time daily to commune with the Lord and meditate on His Word. You might try keeping a written record of your prayer requests, noting the specific ways God answers them.

For Further Study

What was our Lord’s pattern of prayer, and how did He instruct His disciples to pray (see Luke 5:16; 6:12; Matt. 6:5-13)?

From Strength for Today by John MacArthur Copyright © 1997. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word ping

[Son-Joshua]

Excellent post. I’m currently teaching the book of Daniel in my Bible class. Actually, the Holy Spirit is the one doing the teaching. Wonderful study about the power of prayer. It’s motivated me to pray without consequence. Haven’t perfected full trust yet, but the H.S. is working on me.

[imardmd1]

As you grow spiritually, so does the frequency of continually being in communion with the Indwelling Holy Spirit, knowing Jesus as Lord Savior of His Own property willful committed to His care.

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Nothing Between (click here and on the play arrow>

Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
Naught of this world's delusive dream:
I have renounced all sinful pleasure-
Jesus is mine! There's nothing between.

Refrain:

Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor:
Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

Nothing between, like worldly pleasure:
Habits of life, though harmless they seem,
Must not my heart from Him ever sever-
He is my all! There's nothing between. [Refrain]

Nothing between, like pride or station:
Self or friends shall not intervene;
Though it may cost me much tribulation,
I am resolved! There's nothing between. [Refrain]

Nothing between, e'en many hard trials,
Though the whole world against me convene;
Watching with prayer and much self denial-
Triumph at last, with nothing between! [Refrain]

(Charles Albert Tindley)

[pollywog]

excellent devotional today. God has really been stirring me to “ pray continually”....

[pollywog]

What a hymn , we sang so often in our little church as I grew up. Now 82 yrs and the hymns mean more to me than ever.