lessons from daniel 6:10

Its regularity. LOOK AT HIS WORSHIP.1. How is it then that we are found neglecting prayer? "(Robert Burns, D.D. Perhaps in obedience to the law (Deuteronomy 12:11), or to the Sotomonic injunction (1 Kings 8:44). THE PLACE OF HIS DEVOTION. There is another lesson we may learn from the history of Daniel, and that is, that God will not forsake those who truly love and worship him. The conscience was sensitive. Brodie, A.M.Daniel was equally distinguished for probity in his secular calling, as for fidelity towards God. His decision for God involved a God-fearing, prayer-loving life. The character of Daniel threw down two chief rootings of principle. Where he reverted to his inferiority.3. Here was a time when the mind of Daniel must have been brought to look distinctly at the consequences of perseverance in calling upon God. We live in an age of deception and sham. Our tempers have have been fretted, our interests scattered, our judgments debarred; we have been meeting men on a low level of mutual mistrust, or in the interchange of social frivolities. The direction. Note also the religious turn of Daniel's meditations. He did not invite persecution. ), (4)To make a stand for the fact of Christ's one true holy universal Church. Time is very precious with most people, when they are to perform their devotions; and if they have not enough for everybody, they generally make free, in the first place, with their Creator. Their influence is attested by all that is known of the inner life of the best examples of religious experience among men. In the history of opinion, Daniel has an unique place. His redemption is a constant appeal. His native temple. We who may be carried by the force of circumstances far away from our old home, and from things that were sacred to us in our childhood, may very fitly and reasonably see to it that we do not let those old and sacred things pass utterly away from our thoughts. When we engage in devotional exercise, whether public or private, we are considered as withdrawing from the world, and appearing more immediately before God. Daniel did all this "before his God." Men do not get very near to God, nor do they ever keep very near to him, unless they feel the constraint of redemptive love.3. Though the midday prayer was not so general, yet pious souls at noontide refreshed themselves with an act of divine communion.2. Lessons of practical piety, which the conduct of Daniel, in the instance before us, is designed and fitted to furnish to our minds. Let worldly people plead necessity as an excuse for interrupting their devotions; the godly man knows no necessity so great as that of seeking God from day to day. G. Watt, M.A.Evidently trials of moral integrity and earnest religiousness have been as keen in days of old as in our own time; and the power whose tone and force they embalm is a power which is available for us.I. Folly is in the throne when monarchs patronise or oppress religion. LOOK AT HIS TEMPTATION. He held firmly to the religion of his ancestors. Christians in any state, should, to a certain extent, submit, for the sake of quiet, even to overstrained demands, and to regulations which their judgment may disapprove. It is the experience of Daniel which suggests the association of these two things. Not only in public but in private there seems to be a lessening of that reverent respect which should enshroud all that relates to God and his holy religion. Yet with all his prayers he offered also a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. 2. O this cold, calculating prudence, this worldly forethought! Men who envied his popularity sought to find occasion against him, and did their utmost to persecute him, even unto death. Then came the envious scheme to destroy him, which seemed to succeed. He hoped for the release and restoration of the Jews. Such an one was Daniel. Calmness is the result of confidence in God.4. 4. re-edification; or having some respect to the words of Solomon, ( A public spirit is a great excellency.4. He was in God s hands. Apply these remarks to the case in hand. Prayer, so far from increasing his difficulties, was his consolation under them. The encouragement this narrative affords us to make a faithful and becoming stand for the truth, and, 2, against any encroachment upon its sacred boundaries. The care which he showed to Daniel, the protection which he gave to this servant in an hour when the ungodly rushed upon him to destroy him, ought to commend him to your affection and confidence. He did this three times a day. Lessons of practical piety, which the conduct of Daniel, in the instance before us, is designed and fitted to furnish to our minds. See in him the wide difference between godly fear, and natural cowardice and terror. Note the frequency and the regularity of this busy man's prayers. It may not be so with others. There is no need of seeking or of refining in petitions; one day of life brings us into contact with need of all sorts the helplessness of little children, the sigh of men overtasked, the care which has furrowed the brow and bent the shoulders, the satisfaction with a selfish life, the servitude to evil passion; there is no crushing the images of need which flit past our eyes even in the street. In conclusion, I would explain what are the blessings which you may look for, if you do imitate him(A. Gatty, M. LOOK AT HIS DELIVERANCE. Note also the religious turn of Daniel's meditations. Roberts, M.A. Take a lesson from busy Daniel, O that we may have his wisdom in discerning that no intensity of business can justify or palliate the neglect of prayer and praise. The posture. The spirit and habit of thanksgiving to God are peculiar to those who, being born from above, are made new creatures. )Prayer better than lifeA. He looked towards Jerusalem. He was not ashamed to be known as a godly man! He went into his house, and into his chamber. As for them, they prefer to concern themselves with things of a more practical kind. This was the secret of Daniel's strength, his habit of daily earnest prayer.1. (3)Young men have need of both faith and prayer.Let them try the good old plan of principle as the central power, and prayer as the unfailing oil by which that principle is lighted. The text says, he "kneeled upon his knees." Then look at what Daniel was threatened with. This is almost certainly a false excuse. It only remains for me to urge you to acquire and make trial of the prayerful gift. But the rule is that obedience to duty is a true window to the soul, a window that looks towards God, and through which God will shine upon us for our infinite comfort and help. Nowadays the utilities and the humanities are sharply discriminated. Considering the weight of Daniel's character, and the importance of his situation, it will appear that a peculiar responsibility attached to his conduct in this emergency. Daniel kneeled, with his face toward Zion.4. Prayer demands a decisive step. Then there is offered to us the life of Daniel the man especially of prayer, and by a consideration of the circumstances in which Daniel was placed, the fidelity with which he persisted in supplication to God, and the deliverances which were wrought for him, we learn how very much the prayer of the righteous availeth, and that God is indeed both a hearer and an answerer of prayer. In trying circumstances they are known to pass by their most intimate friends and confide their cases to him who, by his fidelity to God and man, has been a butt for their frivolity, yet compelled their respect.III. But the greatest hindrance to piety is the half-formed, suspicion, that piety, all things taken into account, is not exactly practicable. They all proceeded on the principle of concealment, or omission of duty, or a change in the usual manner of doing it, and all from the fear of man, which bringeth a snare. He prayed. The same spirit of modest and retiring devotion he showed all through his life. Macgregor, M.A. In token of his humility, and of his veneration for the divine majesty whom he approached, he kneeled on his knees. How frequently he prayed. Christianity is not believing that there is a God; it is believing God; and so, fresh from the start, it is a matter surely personal between him and us. )The Prayer of DanielHenry S. Richmond, M.A.When we contemplate the character of Daniel, one thing to be remembered is, that by the grace of God he was what he was. The explanation is in the text. The chief points in the religious character and conduct of Daniel are his courage and consistency. The histories of such eminent individuals are preserved, on the imperishable record of inspiration, for the instruction of future ages. Very likely we have not any of us got this matter so exquisitely adjusted that we can both pray in such a way as not to lose interest in our business, and do business in such a way as not to lose interest in our prayers. There the glory of God rested upon the mercy seat, which could be reached only through the appointed mediation of the High Priest. So David (Psalm 55:17). D. B. Rawnsley, M.A. Religious courage is a calmer, wiser, braver thing. While we implore deliverance, we should be grateful for alleviations and supports. He had only one vulnerable point one point in which his character was open to attack from an ungodly world. He looked towards Jerusalem when he prayed. The being whom we address, the circumstances in which we stand, the punishment we deserve all serve to inspire us with humility.2. I think I see Daniel as he reads the writing. The pleading is to be found in verses 18, 19 shows how graciously God hears and answers such prayers as Daniel's. He prayed. There will be an end to the indignities that are offered you. It may be likened to a tree, and under that figure we now consider it.I. There was nothing new in it. No changes of life, or of abode, or of companions, could interrupt or shake the constancy of his adoration to God, and his hourly sense of dependence upon the Almighty.2. If his daily life furnished no other matter for prayer, there was matter enough in this. Another ground of the disfavour is that piety is so easily shammed. Thus reminded of God's promises.III. Habitual devotion is what we should seek to maintain; but, with many people at least, that which may always be done, is never done.5. Daniel went to pray at once. If there are no lions' dens, there are the snares of business, and the power of fashion, and the fear of the world's laugh.II. The world in general attaches a higher value to physical than to moral courage; but in this, as in so many other cases, its judgment is quite wrong. )Character aided by prayerD. Of courage. (2) A noble example of stedfastness in the faith. turned to the place where it had stood, as Saadiah, Aben Ezra, (2)Faith cannot exist without prayer. See in him the wide difference between godly fear, and natural cowardice and terror. (2) Let us cultivate a regard for the authority of God, as a motive to devotion. This is the most effectual way to obtain pardon.3. So Stephen (Acts 7:60); Peter (Acts 9:40); Paul (Acts 20:36); Christians at Tyre (Acts 21:5); Solomon (1 Kings 8:54); Jesus (Luke 22:41). Daniel was not wrongly judged by his enemies, and his course sets prayer in its human aspect before us. It was pious. And what use is there in idle sentiment? This was his ordinary practice. Very well. His custom was to worship God with his body, soul and spirit; to omit nothing in his act of worship, which might serve to express the earnestness of his supplication, and the depth of his humility.3. Whenever we go to God for new favours, we should be careful to acknowledge old ones. Another trait in Daniel is the unostentatious manner of his piety. Three times a day. (3) We have in Daniel a practical illustration of the grand principles whence all true devotion, and all genuine piety must flow. Perhaps this was known to be the habit of his life. It preserves us more from distraction, it is more expressive of reverence, humility and submission.3. But that is not the question. The world for many is like Babylon. "He kneeled." Explain why, and why confession is such a necessary part of our prayer.IV. The windows (similar to our venetian blinds) were usually open, so they must be open now, for to seem to forego a duty or a principle is to forego it!(H. It would be well indeed if Daniel's modest and unobtrusive piety were imitated more generally than it is now-a-days. )The Man of PrayerA. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. It is of the first importance that these should be formed early in life; and you may well be reminded of the duty that lies on all parents, school teachers, and often nurses, in regard to the shaping of early prayer-habits. Words are not essential to the performance of it. When a man is insulted and injured then to rule his own spirit, and render blessing for cursing this marks his patience and meekness. They were performed in his chamber. He was a man, not of intermittent but of constant prayer. Constancy in prayer can open the way to all blessings. It is only necessary to state this very important addition, and to say: Beware of slight negligences and failures. "He went into his house." Prayer was nothing new; it was the prophet's habit. Along with his petitions he "gave thanks." Daniel adds nothing, by way of insult, to his persecutors, nor of defiance toward his sovereign, nor yet does he omit any thing from fear of danger. It was his characteristic feature. Much confusion has come from assuming that secular life and religious life, necessarily work at cross purposes, so that what is taken from one is added to the other. H. Thomas, M.A.What was the good of praying at this window that looked towards Jerusalem? Kneeling seems to be the most proper and advantageous posture of devotion. He evidently had stated times for private devotions.3. Another window that looks towards Jerusalem is the Bible. The exigencies of times required that such faithful witnesses for the true God should be raised up by a special providence, should be qualified for the task assigned to them, and carried through all its difficulties with credit to themselves, and to the cause in which they were embarked. It was his characteristic feature. Look at the same four thus: sins of the appetites; sins of selfish accumulation; sins of inordinate desire for position; sins of religious laxity and negligence. No wonder Daniel distinguished himself as a young. Explain their ingenius plot. Daniel knew that the writing was signed, yet he determined to stand his ground. )Daniel in BabylonBishop Horne.Never, surely did the spirit and power of devotion shine forth with greater lustre, than at this time, in the person of Daniel, upon his knees, in such circumstances. The servant of God stands out in glorious contrast. Gary Antion is a long-time minister, having served as a pastor in both the United States and Canada. There is no state that does not require gratitude. "As aforetime." Here you see the secret of Daniel's character. I think, however, that those who talk in that light fashion are making a very grave mistake. Disobedience to what God enjoins, can never be required in order to the fulfilment of his purposes. Whatever the world may think, there is a reality in religion; and it more than indemnifies its followers. Explain why, and why confession is such a necessary part of our prayer.IV. (3) We have in Daniel a practical illustration of the grand principles whence all true devotion, and all genuine piety must flow. Supposing a man to be the possessor of the right character, how is he to maintain it notwithstanding all oppositions? It would puzzle one to conceive a man in a situation that would afford him less leisure. Retirement. There are those who complain that they are much hindered by wandering and idle thoughts in prayer, and perhaps they are tempted to think that it would be better to leave off praying than to go on in spite of the thoughts which trouble them in their devotions. 3. II. Daniel's piety betrayed itself by his thrice daily devotions, and otherwise. Let them persevere. Constancy in prayer can open the way to all blessings. It is by prayer especially that the people of God express their sympathy with the general misery of the world. )The Necessity of PrayerE. In a time of trial, a testing-time, it is not the reward feeling of loyalty to God, it is the outward manifestation of this; it is not the image of God in the heart, it is his "name on the forehead," which proves an individual to belong to the "called, and chosen, and faithful." Where he returned to his nationality. Their examples are held forth as models of imitation; and in this manner, "though dead," they "still speak to the world and to the Church," in the language of reproof, of encouragement, and of faithful admonition. (3) Daniel's devotion is exemplary in its regularity, reverence and direction. They do not covet such distinctions. Daniel did not neglect religious duties, yet he did not neglect his duty to his King. And outside is a whole world of gloom, of life without colour or joy, of men without God or hope. If we are trying to be Christians without being spiritually-minded Christians, we are attempting to compose the music of our religious life in a key nowhere set in the Holy Word. He retired to his chamber and prayed to God.3. Will you now go to Daniel's God, and take him to be your God? See also, in Daniel, how the grace of God is able to preserve a man, as it did him, in the midst of earthly prosperity and power, from the manifold snares which surround them. He had much and laborious occupation. Persons were not interdicted from believing in God, but only from rendering to him .the outward acts of homage that were due unto his name. Perhaps you complain that the duties of your station in life, duties which you cannot lesson or omit, render it impossible for you to give that attention to those religious services which you feel to be due from the creature to his Creater. Yet with all his prayers he offered also a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. The way of duty is the way of peace, and it is the way of light. Religious courage is a calmer, wiser, braver thing. Where he retired into his individuality. 1. His exalted station only rendered his piety more conspicuous, and its practical exertions useful on a larger scald. O. Wickstead, M.A.To be prepared for the future, and to make some provision against the contingencies and misfortunes of life, is a duty, the propriety of which we all admit. It was on his knees. Many people will do right in a hurry, and under strong excitement will go further than they would have done in cold blood; but Daniel, probably shut out from the council by some crafty device of the counsellors, no sooner heard that the statute stood good than, without parley, his resolution was formed, and his mind made up. So a type of Christ. For the stream of life has always its interminglings of alleviation and comparative good. He prayed of all religious duties there is not one that is more important than prayer. He prayed. He resolves not even to come short of his ordinary and accustomed duty. First and foremost of those windowed outlooks with which God has so graciously endowed us, is that of FAITH. 1. Another trait in Daniel is the unostentatious manner of his piety. But nothing could shake the steadfast purpose of Daniel's soul. There are those who, amid the stress and storm of life, have lost all remembrance of their Jerusalem. We may not think that it would have helped us very much. Retirement is necessary to prayer. I think, however, that those who talk in that light fashion are making a very grave mistake. Sin deserves punishment, God might justly pour out his indignation upon us. God had said "In all thy ways acknowledge thou me, and I will direct thy steps." He kneeled upon his knees. There is a fifth part, total surrender to God. A brief overview for Sunday School teachers and Bible study leaders of Lifeway's Explore the Bible lesson for February 13, 2022, Daniel 6:10-24, including a . No wise man will despise the outward decencies and proprieties of divine worship. (John Richardson, M.A. It was a scheme characterised at once by impiety and absurdity. When a man's heart is filled with the love of God, he delights in prayer he derives his happiness from it. Let us choose moderate words, and try to put it home to ourselves fairly, just as it is. IV. His indifference to the observations of wicked men. Contributed by David Lansdown on Jul 14, 2002 based on 27 ratings | 4,892 views Trusting God when we're scared. We need mercy and grace. And as we watch like Daniel, the thoughts of that overwhelming need thronging in upon us will wring from us prayers rising to passion. Though he was not actually a martyr, he was one in spirit, if not in reality. And all of this has to be got rid of before prayer can have its perfect work. We may not think that it would have helped us very much. No changes of life, or of abode, or of companions, could interrupt or shake the constancy of his adoration to God, and his hourly sense of dependence upon the Almighty. This is a proof of sound wisdom, as well as of an eminently devout spirit.5. )Prayer better than lifeA. 2. Thanksgiving to God refers to the benefits which we have received from him. In conclusion, I would explain what are the blessings which you may look for, if you do imitate him(A. Gatty, M. DANIEL AS A PLEADER. Our temptations to hide our religion from others are trifling in the extreme when compared with Daniel, and the good men of other days. Notice the frequency of his prayer. It is good for us, too, to have an open window towards Jerusalem. Here is a man who cares more for God than for his own ease, comfort, and safety. His chamber. He was a good neighbour, a good citizen, a good master and a good magistrate; but this did not excuse him from the worship of God.1. Some of us have it naturally in higher degree than others: but the weakest of us has a way to obtain strength from God, in which he can clothe himself as in unpenetrable armour and that way is prayer. As to the mode or manner of prayer, we notice that Daniel, when he prayed, attended to certain forms. )Piety and Business CompatibleCharles H. Parkhurst, D.D.This incident yields us a glimpse of the ordinary tone and temper of Daniel's mind. If there is one situation more than another in which it is difficult to hold peaceful communion with God, it is where we know and feel ourselves to be watched by the eyes and ears of scoffers, who hate personal religion, and ridicule prayer, and what they think overmuch righteousness. The spirit of the worked towards the godly remains unchanged. 2. When Daniel knew that the work of his enemies was accomplished, what did he do? Only by prayer can these afflictions be sanctified. W. Skeffington, M.A. The direction in which he performed his devotion. IV. Principle must have had a strong hold of his heart to enable him to resist his fears. And our prayer-habits should, include all the kinds of prayer which make up this Christian duty. (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons. )The Way of Success in -PrayerW.M. Daniel prayed with his face toward Jerusalem. It may be as well to add that there is often a qualification of this dislike, in that worldly men are not always unwilling to use the consciousness and ability of a godly man. Adhere then to your principles, at all times and under all circumstances; adhere to those principles that will answer conscience, and practise them at all times, and under all circumstances, and then God will give you his blessing. We begin to be Christians by drawing near to God. Daniel's case not only enforces the duty of prayer, but explains its nature, and in every aspect in which we look at him as he prays, we are instructed by the sight. His spiritual-mindedness is valid for him, not for ethers. Very well. Daniel was not in private life. Such an one we have in Daniel. )Secret PrayerJoseph Cook.It has commonly been taught that prayer consists of four parts adoration, thanksgiving, confession, petition. )The Open WindowA. The question now before us is not so much whether we ought to pray, as in what manner we should fulfil this essential duty. It was his established custom. prayer is the first, the best, the habitual exercise of faith. Jackson. Whatever our secular occupation may be, provided always it is a proper one, that we are to thrust ourselves into with just the came intensity of energy and heartiness of resolve! )Religion in a Busy LifeHenry M. Booth, D.D.It is always interesting to catch a glimpse of the private life of a distinguished man. Nothing ever ought to make us omit our daily devotions. (T.Townson, M. A . But they were carried into a new world where other voices were heard and other influences were at work. )Piety and Business CompatibleCharles H. Parkhurst, D.D.This incident yields us a glimpse of the ordinary tone and temper of Daniel's mind. How did Daniel meet it? Individuals of less decided character, and moving in a lower and more obscure sphere, might act with caution and reserve, but Daniel, who was a veteran in the army of the saints, and who had so many eyes upon him, must act with more courage, and for this very reason too, that he knew the law to be made expressly for him. The mercy seat is recognised as the symbol of divine mercy to mankind, and as typical of that "throne of grace," sprinkled with the blood of the Redeemer, to which "we have access with boldness, through the faith of him. Some of us have it naturally in higher degree than others: but the weakest of us has a way to obtain strength from God, in which he can clothe himself as in unpenetrable armour and that way is prayer. Take a lesson from busy Daniel, O that we may have his wisdom in discerning that no intensity of business can justify or palliate the neglect of prayer and praise. )The Character of DanielRobert Burns, D.D.In every age there have been witnesses for God men who have stood pre-eminent among their brethren for piety, rising above the ordinary level of spiritual attainment, and shedding around them, in the midst of darkness, the steady light of a holy conversation. Daniel thanked him for what he was in himself for what he did in the kingdom of providence, and for what he had done for him.II. It was three times a day. There was enough to call up resentment. Then came the envious scheme to destroy him, which seemed to succeed. Faithful as Daniel was to the King, and attentive as he was to his interests, there was a point at which his obedience stopped. Was it not to forget that God is a spirit, and to place too much dependence upon that bodily service which profiteth little? PRINCIPLE IS THE CENTRAL POWER OF LIFE. There are occasions, when bodily exercise profiteth much, in which it is even a better test of a person's devotedness to God, than the inward frame of his mind. )Fearlessnes and perseverance in prayerS. But when he is pleased to call them to posts of worldly honour, he gives them strength according to their day. Such conduct would have been mere bravado, a trifling with death. In trying circumstances they are known to pass by their most intimate friends and confide their cases to him who, by his fidelity to God and man, has been a butt for their frivolity, yet compelled their respect.III. Now it is a great privilege that we enjoy civil and religious liberty in our favoured land; that we are not under such cruel laws, as in other times or in other countries laid restrictions upon conscience; and that we may pray, according to the conviction of our judgment and the desire of our heart. (Beaver H. Blacker, M.A. IV. He obeyed the monitions of conscience. There was no unusual fervour in Daniel's prayers and praises under these unusual and unexpected trials. As we watch the enemies of Daniel, who rejoice that they have succeeded in their designs against him, we realise that the calm fulfilment of duty will ever meet with opposition, which God is able to over-rule. They cannot attain a sense of God's presence; they seem dull, and cold, and lifeless in their prayers. Daniel was a public man, and the representation of the more religious part of his countrymen, and the most prominent witness to the honours of the true God, in the midst of surrounding idols. Daniel thanked him for what he was in himself for what he did in the kingdom of providence, and for what he had done for him.II. "Toward Jerusalem." He prayed. )LinksDaniel 6:10 NIVDaniel 6:10 NLTDaniel 6:10 ESVDaniel 6:10 NASBDaniel 6:10 KJVDaniel 6:10 Bible AppsDaniel 6:10 ParallelDaniel 6:10 Biblia ParalelaDaniel 6:10 Chinese BibleDaniel 6:10 French BibleDaniel 6:10 German BibleDaniel 6:10 CommentariesBible Hub, (3)Young men have need of both faith and prayer.Let them try the good old plan of principle as the central power, and prayer as the unfailing oil by which that principle is lighted. And our existence is not met by listening on occasion, to the devout supplications and spoken communings of any who may happen to be standing in fellowship with God. Such an one we have in Daniel. (21). It was three times a day. "His house was a large one, built upon the eastern wall of the city; the rooms were spacious, and furnished with more appearance of wealth than any I saw in the country. 3. Moved calmly forward with the momentum of his devoted life, entering his chamber each day as usual, and praying there as he had been accustomed to pray. It was on his knees. They do not trouble about religion. This prayer was the characterising pecularity of Daniel.1. Act with decision, act with uncompromising boldness: do your duty at all times, and under all circumstances, and leave results to God. "As aforetime." Apparently reasonable excuses for yielding a little in this matter of prayer might have been found. II. "As he did aforetime." It is of the first importance that these should be formed early in life; and you may well be reminded of the duty that lies on all parents, school teachers, and often nurses, in regard to the shaping of early prayer-habits. He pleaded with God when he prayed. Mark also how Daniel was occupied. Daniel was a man of vast business but he could find time for prayer three times a day.III. He prayed, as before.III. The need of privacy and retirement. Sometimes he tries to frighten us. Kneeling. AWS Lambda Powertools is an open-source library to help organizations discover and incorporate serverless best practices early and quickly. He retired. "Substitute for jealousy an everlasting emulation. Piety regularly retrogrades when it draws away from the business and contracts of secular life. Continuity. Life was full of sacred meanings. In some respects the lives of the saints illustrate portions of duty, which could not be exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ. Daniel's thanksgivings were not interrupted by any of the calamities that he met with.II. Daniel had long been in the habit of praying. Why be so careful about this open window? There are sure to be many occasions in our daily life, in which we shall all need this moral courage. Daniel 6:10 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 . One of the methods he has chosen is prayer. It is by doing small and common things with uncommon care that we form the habits by which the highest end is attained. It is the link which connects us with the next world with the unseen yet ever present God, in whom we live and move and have our being. How did Daniel meet it? They should be carefully arranged in view of his actual daily circumstances, opportunities, and needs, they should be maintained with a stedfast regularity, even at heavy cost of self-denial, and there should be a constant and a holy anxiety lest they should degenerate into mere forms, and the spiritual life and feeling in them fade down, or fade out.I. God seemed to be near to them when they were little children. Their peculiar tendency to secure the supremacy of conscience.3. His enemies said, "We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.'" THE PLACE OF HIS DEVOTION. And Daniel strained his eyes across the endless plains, that sight filled his mind, and drew from him the importunate cry: "How long, O Lord? " it was in vain; nor did he go to the king with complaints against Hope is an important element in the Christian life. It is entirely their own fault that they do not find or make time. Some would plead loyalty. He had doubtless his infirmities; for there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good, and sinneth not; but nothing is alleged against him. In the Old Testament we find examples of prayer, but not express commands to pray. There is always much more to be grateful for, than to complain of however afflicting our circumstances may be.3. "His house was a large one, built upon the eastern wall of the city; the rooms were spacious, and furnished with more appearance of wealth than any I saw in the country. It was pious. How often is the urgency and press of business made an excuse for the neglect of religion. It was his characteristic feature. at noon, and three in the afternoon; see ( Acts 2:1 Acts 2:15 ) ( 3:1 ) ( 10:9 ) : and gave The world is full of need, and its cry rises continually before God, sounding in the ears of all who can hear. A public spirit is a great excellency. Prayer he recognised as a duty, and cherished as a source of consolation. It held fast by and fed itself on this: 1. Gatty, M. A.Are we taught to pray that those good things which by nature we cannot have, may yet by the goodness and peace of the Spirit be worked in us? There would be direct reflection towards his active services; for he would judge contemplation to be preparatory to usefulness, as the leaves precede the fruit. Look at the end keep your eyes on the unfading crown, and then sin will lose its attraction. )The Man of PrayerA. 4. The redemptive element in the divine character is always attractive. But the prophet could not be turned aside from true worship of Jehovah. D. B. Rawnsley, M.A. Frequency.II. Though. Prayer should be frequent. The wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. In the last lesson, we learned about 3 Israelites (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) who served in King Nebuchadnezzar's court during the Babylonian captivity. He was a man of prayer he lived by prayer he was frequent, fervent, zealous in the exercise his hours of prayer were his most precious hours and as for parting with this privilege, as for laying it aside for thirty days together, he would sooner part with life itself. Hermit religion is spindling and stalky, like wheat grown in the shade. And as we watch like Daniel, the thoughts of that overwhelming need thronging in upon us will wring from us prayers rising to passion. The charm which he employed, the miraculous help he called forth, was simply "He kneeled upon his knees, and prayed before his God, as he did aforetime." No shame, only strength and honour, can ever come by cleaving to God. LOOK AT HIS SUPPORT. He did now only what he had been accustomed to do aforetime. With reverence end humility all our attitudes, the very tones of our voice, should strictly correspond.3. It was not occasional impulse; but the regular effects of principle and disposition. He never seems to have sought for a way in which he might evade, on the one hand, a full performance of his duty to God, and on the other, the vengeance of Babylon. He does not appear to have taken council of his friends, or to have summoned his servants, and charged them not to let any intruder come in. There are always plausible apologies at hand for treachery to the immortal soul, and treason to God; but no one can doubt how Daniel replied to such cowardly proposals, if indeed any one ventured to name them to him. "The one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him" (Heb. Such piety is no matter of unpractical extravagance. The attitude of Daniel's body while praying, nay, the position of the windows of his chamber, was as important in the sight of God as the inward devotion of his soul. Character is rated as an utility, piety only as a luxury. His redemption is a constant appeal. Hence Daniel would allow nothing to hinder him from his prayers. It is by prayer especially that the people of God express their sympathy with the general misery of the world. But Daniel's soul was able, resolutely and devoutly, to meet such circumstances, and to rise above them; so courageous, so consistent, so calm was he in the service of God, through the grace which was given to him. If you approach him in prayer, all his power, and all his goodness will be exercised on your behalf.(A. Our temptations to hide our religion from others are trifling in the extreme when compared with Daniel, and the good men of other days. How frequently he prayed. A posture surely best befitting creatures like ourselves when we go as beggars to our Great Creator. It will be necessary, (1)to make a stand for the truth. (4) Those who plead circumstances as an excuse for their moral and spiritual failure should contemplate the courage and faith- fulness of Daniel amid an environment full of difficulty and danger. We are told that aforetime, before the trial, he had been in the constant habit of prayer. See in him the wide difference between godly fear, and natural cowardice and terror. Daniel went to pray at once. It relates less to what a man is seen to do outwardly to relations than he is supposed to sustain inwardly. Some would have recommended a plan of accomodation. The time of man's extremity is often the time when God signally interposes in behalf of his people, and at this particular time and place, a supernatural testimony to the true religion, in the person of its distinguished representative, was essentially necessary. When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his chamber and set open its windows toward Jerusalem. Every house not only may be, but should be, a house of prayer. Though he was not actually a martyr, he was one in spirit, if not in reality. He could bring himself to do without comforts and luxuries, so as to live on pulse and water; he could afford the loss of rank and honours, and the favour of his sovereign; he could even risk the peril of the lion's den, but he could not live without conversing with his God." Macgregor, M.A.Ill success in prayer is so common that men scarcely know it is ill success; they pray and nothing comes of it, so they are not disappointed. There is no state that does not require gratitude. We are not to do evil that good may come. It is out of sight, out of mind. A public career is seldom a revelation of character. In later times, perhaps at the time of the captivity, the houses of Jews were built with an upper chamber, a room not in common use, a room in which to receive guests, and to which the people of the house might retire for meditation and prayer. But if we would have Daniel's reward, we must also have Daniel's faith; and if some now-a-days think that they are forsaken by their Heavenly Father, they must search and try their hearts and see whether the fault be not their own, before they presume to doubt the power of the Almighty to help them, for he will not listen to those who pray to him to him with their lips and not their hearts, as he has commanded them to do. A. With God's special grace, Daniel could not have been what Daniel was, any more than Paul would have been what he became by grace. But Daniel leant neither to temerity nor to timidity. Note his example of praying in the very midst of daily business.II. The counsellors never troubled him again; the lions had taken care of them. The seasonable interposition of that power is to be sought in earnest prayer. But Daniel's soul was able, resolutely and devoutly, to meet such circumstances, and to rise above them; so courageous, so consistent, so calm was he in the service of God, through the grace which was given to him. He confessed his sins, and the sins of his people, when he prayed; So did David and Jeremiah. The conditions very severe.III. In so far as it consisted of supplication, we easily imagine what he would pray for. Whatever our secular occupation may be, provided always it is a proper one, that we are to thrust ourselves into with just the came intensity of energy and heartiness of resolve! A. Let nothing then be allowed to hinder you from your prayers.(S. Prayer is = entreating / making requests of God, simply asking! In obedience to the words of Solomon, ( a human aspect before us new... Could find time for prayer, so far from increasing his difficulties, was his consolation them! At this window that looks towards lessons from daniel 6:10 the world may think,,... 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