Topic: Importunity in Prayer [Wednesday June 17, 2015]
Text: Daniel 10:10-21
Key Verse: “Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand… thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…” (Daniel 10:12,13).
Our text aptly captures Daniel’s importunity in prayer. He was majorly concerned about the welfare of Israel and for 21 days, devoted himself to prayer and fasting. An angel of the Lord came to him and intimated him that he was greatly beloved before God, informing him that from the very first day he started praying, God had answered and immediately sent a message to him. Unfortunately, the prince of Persia withstood the angel for 21 days until Michael, one of the chief angels, came to the rescue.
That an angel was particularly dispatched because of Daniel’s prayer revealed that genuine prayer matters before God. Since the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood the angel, it also shows that there is always satanic opposition to believers’ prayers. Satan has his angels who help him to launch evil attacks on Christians. Since Daniel’s victory came on the 21st day, it equally indicates there may be some hindrances to prayers, which some Christians may not know. They may be wondering why answers to their requests are delayed.
It is possible that if Daniel had stopped praying on the 20th day, the answer would not have come. This explains that believers should be importunate in prayer – they should keep on praying until they receive answers to their requests. Of course, God has the power to destroy every satanic opposition, but He probably allowed such a conflict in Daniel’s prayer to use the time of the delay to develop him as a man of persistent prayer.
Persistence in prayer may be necessary to train believers. Daniel’s success should be a reflection on believers’ failures, as it revealed that angelic assistance or insight might not be realized, if there is a lack of persistence and importunity in prayer.
Bible in One Year: Colossians 1-4
Thought for The Day: Prayer is the link that connects us with God.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
