People in recovery are those who want to learn from the experience, strength, and hope of others. When it comes to praying, one hero we might look to is a prophet in the Bible named Daniel. Daniel had a practice of praying three times a day. Even when he knew continuing to pray could cost him his life he went to his house and as was his custom opened his windows, not caring who saw him, and prayed. It did cost him an overnight trip to the lions’ den, but God kept him safe, and He was later raised to a place of prominence in the government.
Daniel prayed for numerous things and often confessed His own sins and the sins of his nation. He prayed beyond his own needs. He asked God to give him wisdom and understanding. He needed guidance and God gave it.
While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill—while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, … came to me …He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. (Daniel 9:20-23 a NIV)
While you and I may not see an angel or hear words as directly as Daniel did, his example of constant prayer is what Step 11 encourages us to do – seek through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God. Confessing his sins regularly shows us the power of Step 10 – promptly admitting our wrongs. What is very comforting in the above Scripture quotation is the clear affirmation that God heard Daniel and communicated back to him in a way he could understand. God gives answers – sometimes in a way and time that is different from what we would prefer – but always in a way that perfects God’s plan for our future.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am grateful that You are paying attention to me and the prayers I offer up to You. Help me to be honest as I unburden my heart to You, knowing that You hear my prayers and will respond to me in the right way and at the right time. Amen
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