3 Practices of Daniel to Gain More Courage

Over the past month, I’ve been reading and meditating on the Old Testament book of Daniel. Though I’ve read through Daniel before, in the last few weeks, his life has fascinated me! I haven’t been studying him to write a book or Bible study; I’ve been studying his life because I am completely captivated by his courage and confidence. I want more of those qualities in my own life!  

Daniel was a captive.  For all intents and purposes, he had been trafficked. He lived in a culture that was pagan and where kings were corrupt. It was a wonky time, for sure, yet Daniel navigated his life with strength and dignity. He had extraordinary courage and confidence to do all God called him to do.  

In my own life, I feel the constant need for wisdom, discernment, courage and strength. What about you? 

As I have moved slowly through the book of Daniel, it has dawned on me that the key to Daniel’s courage was his prayer life.  His prayer life was extraordinary! 

3 Practices Stand Out to Me 

Daniel Paused 3 Times a Day for Regular Prayer. “Three times a day he got on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God” (Daniel 6:11). Presumably, he prayed early in the morning, at noon pausing from his daily work, and in the evening before he retired for the night.  This beautiful rhythm sustained his strength and provided the courage he needed to confront kings. In your life and mine, what if we adopted the rhythm of Daniel? Many church fathers who have gone before us have followed this practice. They called morning and evening prayer the Daily Office and saw it as a way to live with a continual awareness of the presence of God. They also paused mid-day to give thanks to the Lord and commune with Him. It’s easy with our busy lives to go an entire day without acknowledging the presence of God. Why not adopt this practice? Morning prayer, evening prayer, and pausing mid-day to give thanks to the Lord? 

Daniel Wrote Down What He Felt God Was Speaking. “He wrote down the substance of his dream” (Daniel 7:1). I learned this practice in college many years ago. As I read my Bible each morning, I would write down whatever I felt God was speaking to me through His Word. Years later, that practice has served me well. As I look back through journals, I can see first-hand the times when I was begging God for wisdom and He answered. As you read scripture, learn the power of writing down what you feel the Spirit is speaking to you. God’s Word is alive. God’s Spirit speaks to us in a variety of ways. He might encourage you through a sermon or convict you through something you read. He might lay a neighbor on your heart or place a particular burden on your heart. When you feel He is speaking, write it down and then see if He confirms it. Be aware, He will never speak anything contrary to what the Bible says, so that should always be the litmus test. 

Daniel Lived a Life of Praise and Worship. “Then Daniel praised the God of heaven” (Daniel 2:19). Daniel lived a life of worship and praise. It was a regular and intentional pattern in his life. He gave thanks throughout his day: he bowed down on his knees, he sought the Lord, and he worshiped Him as the King of heaven for every decision. 

Friend, why not put all three of these practices in place in your prayer life? Try it for a month and see if you don’t feel closer to God. Take a moment before you move into your day and pray this prayer;

Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are Yours. You alone know how to depose rulers and kings, and raise up others. You give wisdom when we ask, and You give knowledge and discernment. I thank You, Lord, for the wisdom You will give me today. Let me trust You like Daniel did. (Based on Daniel 2:20-23).

Have you ordered your copy of Cultivating Deeper Connections In A Lonely World? Don’t forget to order a copy and then download the FREE discussion guide on the homepage of my website.  Gather a few friends and go through the book together! I guarantee, you’ll be closer as friends when you finish.

This week on The Connected Mom Podcast we’re talking with Suzanne Roragen about Unconditional Love for your Child, even when they rebel.