Jonah’s Psalm

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: Daniel 9 – Lesson #2

SHOW NOTES:

Daniel was a man of prayer and set a godly example for us. He studied the historical scriptures and prayed to the Lord faithfully every day.

He approaches the Lord based on God’s loyal, covenant-keeping hesed love, which promised a covenant relationship with Israel. In chapter nine, Daniel confesses both his sin and the sins of Israel to the Lord. Israel had transgressed against the law of the Lord and refused to obey His commands.

While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice.

– Daniel 9:20-21

“The man Gabriel” suggests that this mighty archangel appeared in a human-like form and spoke to Daniel clearly, as one man speaks to another. Gabriel serves as a messenger from God, delivering messages and explanations to Daniel.

He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. At the beginning of your pleas for mercy, a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision.

– Daniel 9:22-23

Gabriel conveys a message filled with hope and promise. He assures Daniel of God’s great love and pledges to provide him with insight and understanding.

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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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Show Notes

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4-7; 2:20; 9:1-6

SHOW NOTES:

An inspired leader, Nehemiah, served as King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer in Persia when an envoy delivered the report of Jerusalem’s distress. Nehemiah’s initial response to the discouraging news about Jerusalem’s condition was emotional. He then turned his face to the Lord and cried out in prayer.

When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people, Israel.”

– Nehemiah 1:4-6

However, the enemies surrounding Jerusalem tried to discourage, mock, and deny their right to the city. Nehemiah responded with firm confidence in the God of heaven and reported that the people in Jerusalem would start rebuilding the wall.

We conclude this lesson with the prayer in Chapter Nine. This is one of the great prayers of the Old Testament. It praises God for His character and His conduct.

“Stand up and praise the Lord your God, for he lives from everlasting to everlasting!”

Then they prayed: “May your glorious name be praised! May it be exalted above all blessing and praise! You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you.”

– Nehemiah 9:5-6

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