God Responds To My Prayers

Thursday December 28, 2023

Most people who are in recovery want to learn from the experience, strength, and hope of others. When it comes to learning how to pray, 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 might cost him his life, he went to his house and, as was his custom, opened his windows and prayed, not caring who saw him. It did cost him an overnight trip to the lions’ den, but God protected him from the lions and Daniel was later raised to a place of prominence in the government.

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. (Daniel 6:10 NIV)

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 9:20-23a 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. Daniel’s custom of confessing his sins regularly shows us the power of a continuing Step 10 – promptly admitting our wrongs. What is comforting in the above Scripture quotation is the clear affirmation that God heard Daniel and found a way to communicate 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 us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am grateful that You listen to 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 according to Your perfect will and timing. Amen

God Responds To My Prayers

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