Day 336 

Daniel 9:1-11:1; 1 John 2:18-3:6; Psalm 121:1-8; Proverbs 28:27-28

Never Underestimate the Power of Prayer!

We can learn much from the way that Daniel prayed and from the dramatic consequences. Daniel knows that exile in Babylon is nearing an end. Daniel prays fervently but does not rush to a request. First, he recounts the history of iniquity that led to Israel’s exile. The prayer is worshipful and, most importantly, a confession.

Daniel confesses on behalf of the entire nation. Then Daniel makes a bold request: “O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem…O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act” (Daniel 9:16-19).

Daniel’s prayers result in him being given a great vision of Israel’s salvation and later lands him in the middle of a cosmic battle; Archangels Gabriel and Michael against two evil angels “the prince of the Kingdom of Persia” and “the prince of Greece.” Why?  Because of his prayers, as stated by Gabriel himself, “…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).

Have you ever considered that your prayers may effect results not only on earth but in the heavenly realms as well? “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12). Jesus taught that demonic forces could not be defeated except by the power of prayer and fasting (Matt. 17:14-21).

Cade Pope
St. Peter’s Church
Lake Mary, FL