Reflections: Pray, no matter what

As family and school schedules settle into post-holiday winter routine this week, after a chilly start on Monday, several local and national organizations have called for focused emphasis on prayer. Many churches, including my local church, the one where my sons serve, and the larger denominational context, are holding special in-person or online events this week; other groups are doing a 21-day prayer focus; some are intentionally praying between now and January 20 for a peaceful transition to a new Presidential administration. 

In sermons, newsletters, etc., regarding this prayer focus, several leaders have mentioned the example of Daniel in the Old Testament. When faced with the likelihood of the lions’ den, after jealous co-workers framed Daniel by creating a law for the unsuspecting King Darius to sign, Daniel didn’t stop to think about his response. Chapter 6, v. 10, tells us when Daniel heard about the law, he went to his chambers and prayed by the window facing Jerusalem, “just as he had done before” (BSB). Some versions say, “as was his custom.” Consequences didn’t matter because he was, and continued to be, a person of prayer, and his confidence continued to be in the One who had already come through for him. 

At that point, Daniel was already seeing the fulfilment of earlier biblical prophecy concerning Israel’s Babylonian captivity as foretold by Jeremiah. He knew God’s faithfulness throughout Israel’s history, and to his friends in the fiery furnace situation. He himself would also be entrusted with an angelic visit and even more prophetic revelation. He may not have known the details of how things would turn out, but he knew the One who does know. 

We can learn from Daniel. We have seen the power of prayer as tides turned in national politics. We are seeing God’s provision in Israel’s situation, even though it’s not over, and we continue to pray. Brave Christians who have dared to gather, worship and distribute God’s Word in spite of persecution are starting to experience breakthroughs in some locations, according to front-lines organizations and missions groups. Even as many still await God’s intervention, they’re praying and we can pray with them. 

Here in the U.S., we are starting to see people disillusioned by wokeness and secularism; Bible sales are up significantly over the last year as many reach out for answers and solid ground. Prayer does change things! As we start to see those changes, now isn’t the time to quit praying! In the areas where we don’t see change yet, let’s pray even more fervently even as we thank God for progress we do see. 

This is a great time of year to set goals in prayer and Bible study; if you need encouragement, excellent resources and tools are available from the YouVersion app, Proverbs 31 Ministries, Bible Gateway, and many others. Some local churches are gearing up with new studies and prayer meetings; check with yours. Let’s use this January focus on prayer to make it an even more important part of our lives.