Greatly Loved

Show Notes

Scripture: Daniel 2

SHOW NOTES:

Daniel was a man of fervent prayer. He was taken captive to Babylon and served there for over 60 years. In this first historical episode, he learns that the king had a dream and wants to know both the dream and its interpretation. The wise men of the court cannot reveal this information to the king.

The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on earth who can meet the king’s demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean. The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”

– Daniel 2:10-11

Daniel learns of the king’s harsh order—kill all the wise men—and requests time to find a solution to the king’s dilemma. He returns to his house, calls his friends—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—and asks them to join him in prayer.

He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

– Daniel 2:18

They asked for God’s compassion to manifest through a revelation of the king’s dream and its interpretation to Daniel. God revealed the secret mystery to Daniel. He believed this vision was an answer to their fervent prayers.

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king’s matter.”

– Daniel 2:20-23

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Show Notes

Scripture: Daniel 6

SHOW NOTES:

Daniel was an amazing man who believed in the power of fervent prayer. The more we study his life, the more we are challenged by his commitment to the Lord and his faithful prayer life. He was taken captive to Babylon as a young teenager and served there for over 60 years. In this historical episode, he learns that the king has signed a decree stating that no one should pray to any god or man for thirty days, except to King Darius.

Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.

– Daniel 6:3-4

The text does not explain why the other officials wanted to remove Daniel. Perhaps his integrity made it difficult for them to engage in bribery, fraud, and political corruption. They knew Daniel was a God-fearing man who did not worship pagan idols, so they devised a plan to trap him.

When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house, where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

– Daniel 6:10

Daniel’s choice: obey his God or the government. It was very clear to Daniel that he would obey God. The new decree did not deter him! He would continue to pray three times each day for the city’s welfare and give thanks before his God!

Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”

– Daniel 6:16

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Walk with God | May 21, 2025

Season 19: The Power of Prayer

Show Notes

SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God’s Truth, where you can access additional resources to enrich your Walk with God.

Daniel was a man dedicated to prayer. In previous lessons, we have examined two other instances when Daniel turned to the Lord and sought His wisdom and counsel. He was not afraid of the king; rather, he chose to continue his regular daily practice: “I will pray to the Lord three times each day.”

“I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So, I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” Daniel 9:2-3

In the following sixteen verses, Daniel associates himself with the people of Israel and confesses their sin and disobedience. He acknowledges the greatness, lovingkindness, and mercy of the Lord.

“Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, Lord, look with favor on Your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, our God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your Name. We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act!” Daniel 9:17-19

Daniel cried out with fervent prayer to the Lord on behalf of his people. He has provided a powerful example of prayer for each of us.

Show Notes

Scripture: Jonah 2

SHOW NOTES:

In the book of Jonah, we learn about God’s assignment for His prophet, Jonah. He was to go to the wicked people of Nineveh and proclaim God’s impending judgment upon them. Jonah decided to flee from God, so he boarded a boat in Joppa and set sail toward Tarshish. God sent a violent storm upon the sea, and the pagan sailors hurled Jonah into the turbulent waters.

And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

– Jonah 1:17

The Lord rescued Jonah from drowning. A great fish swallowed him, and Jonah sat in its belly for three days and three nights. During that time, he must have engaged in a lot of soul-searching and reflection about his decision to disobey God. He began to pray and call out to the Lord.

I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.

– Jonah 2:2

We can always pray to God – at any time and in any place. He wants to listen to us. We can cry out from the deep pit of disobedience and rebellion.

When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you.

– Jonah 2:7

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Show Notes

Scripture: Lamentations 5:1-22

SHOW NOTES:

In this season, The Power of Prayer, we have explored the prayers of many different people. Today, let’s take a closer look at the words of Jeremiah found in the book of Lamentations. This prayer is more than just a lament; he asks the Lord to remember the plight of His people and to restore them to their promised covenant blessings.

Remember, O Lord, what has befallen us; look, and see our disgrace!

– Lamentations 5:1

Life without the comfort and encouragement of God is “desolate and barren.” God forgives and restores us in a personal relationship with Him, but there will be consequences for our disobedience and sin. He genuinely desires to bring His children to restoration – a true and authentic change of heart.

Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored! Renew our days as of old.

– Lamentations 5:21

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Show Notes

Scripture: Job 42:1-9

SHOW NOTES:

You might be familiar with the story of Job in the Old Testament. This man faced profound loss and suffering, and in chapter 42, Job makes a heartfelt confession of his folly.

Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”

– Job 42:1-2

Job acknowledges that he spoke without knowledge and understanding. He now holds a deeper spiritual insight. He views both God and himself more realistically. Job had previously expressed remorse for his losses, but now he mourns his sins. He has changed his mind and released his rebellious pride and arrogance toward God.

I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore, I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

– Job 42:5-6

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