Friday September 30, 2016

Supplicating Appropriately

-DANIEL 9:20-27

Key Verse:

"At the beginning of thy supplications the com- mandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore under- stand the matter, and consider the vision" (Daniel 9:23).

In many contemporary Christian assemblies, there is an over- emphasis on the place of prayer in true worship experience. Good as that trend may appear, the worrisome aspect of this modern practice of praying is the focus and content of such prayers. The Church today seems to have lost the power of purposeful supplication that will bring national revival, restoration and righteousness. Much time is spent praying against enemies, seeking personal wealth or deliverance. In our passage, Daniel is shown as an inspiring example that believers should emulate. He lived in affluence and comfort in the palace in Babylon, but he did not allow the luxury of his circumstance or his busy administrative responsibilities to hinder him from praying and seeking the face of God. Beyond that challenging lifestyle of regular prayers, for which he was even thrown into the lions' den and divinely rescued, the content and focus of his supplications will shame modern-day Christians. Daniel was more concerned about the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites before receiving the revelation of events that will happen in the latter-times. He also identified with the sins and disobedience of the people, confessed on their behalf and sought God's mercy and fulfillment of the promise of restoration for the penitent. It is noteworthy and instructive that while Daniel sought the face of God through purposeful supplications, he enjoyed divine revelations that went far beyond his generations. If we learn to modify the pattern and programmes of our prayers, we will also enjoy divine approval and intervention in our personal, corporate and national challenges.

Thought for the day: Purposeful supplications secure God's special attention and move Him into action

Bible Reading in one Year: SONG 1 - 4