Charles Spurgeon on Prayer - Day 14

COURAGEOUS PRAYERS

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Daniel 6:10

There are some forms of spiritual life that are not absolutely essential, but prayer is of the very essence of spirituality. He who has no prayer lacks the very breath of the life of God in the soul. Daniel, we are told, was a man of excellent spirit, a man abundant in prayer. He prayed for his people who were in exile, remembering those who were in  bonds. He interceded for Jerusalem. It grieved him that the city was laid waste, that still the Chaldean destroyer was upon Mount Zion, so beautiful and once the joy of the whole earth. He pleaded for the return from the captivity, which he knew was ordained of his God. It would have been a delightful thing to have listened at the key hole of Daniel’s closet and heard the mighty intercessions that went up to the Lord God of Hosts.

With all his prayers we are told that Daniel mingled thanksgiving. It is poor devotion that is always asking and never returning its gratitude. Prayers in which there is no thanksgiving are selfish things and will not receive an answer. Prayer and Praise resemble the process by which we live. Prayer takes in deep draughts of the love and grace of God, and then praise breathes it out again. Daniel offered to God that sweet incense that was made of many spices, of sincere desires and longings mingled with adoration.

Daniel had been exalted to very great worldly prosperity, but his soul had also prospered, refusing to be intoxicated by success or to turn aside to gather the golden apples. He sustained the energy of his outward profession by constant, secret communion with God. When his enemies assailed him, he knew there were more precious things than honor and wealth. Better an ounce of divine grace in prayer than a ton of worldly goods. To kneel to God’s honor is worth whatever it may cost, even if it means the lion’s den.

Father, help me dare to be a Daniel today. Make me a prince of prayer. Amen.