Why did Daniel choose to pray "three times a day" despite the decree? Setting the Scene Daniel 6:10 — “Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house where the windows of the upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he knelt down, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Why Daniel Prayed Three Times a Day Despite the Decree • Lifelong Habit of Devotion – Daniel “had done [this] before,” indicating a longstanding rhythm of prayer that pre-dated the decree (cf. Psalm 55:17). – Spiritual disciplines forged in ordinary days equip believers for extraordinary tests. • Unwavering Allegiance to God’s Law – Exodus 20:3 commands exclusive devotion; Daniel chose obedience to the first commandment over obedience to human law. – Acts 5:29 later echoes this principle: “We must obey God rather than men.” • Public Testimony of Faithfulness – By leaving the windows open toward Jerusalem, Daniel openly affirmed his trust in the covenant promises attached to the Temple (1 Kings 8:46-49). – His consistency witnessed to the reality and supremacy of Israel’s God before a watching empire. • Expression of Gratitude in Trial – He “gave thanks,” not complaints—declaring God’s goodness even under threat (1 Thessalonians 5:18). – Gratitude guards the heart against fear and bitterness, anchoring faith in God’s character rather than circumstances. • Confidence in God’s Sovereignty – Daniel trusted that the same God who had preserved him through earlier exile challenges (Daniel 1, 2, 3, 5) remained sovereign over kings and decrees (Daniel 4:34-35). – His prayer life rested on the conviction that “the Most High rules over the kingdom of men” (Daniel 4:17). • Anticipation of Messianic Hope – Facing Jerusalem pointed to anticipation of God’s redemptive plan culminating in the Messiah (Psalm 122:6; Isaiah 62:1). – Consistent prayer sustained hope until ultimate deliverance. Lessons for Today • Spiritual habits established in freedom fortify courage in crisis. • God’s commandments outweigh cultural pressures and legal threats. • Visible devotion can be a powerful, gracious witness. • Gratitude under trial flows from confidence in God’s unchanging rule. • Regular, disciplined prayer keeps hearts oriented toward the greater city of God (Hebrews 11:10). |
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