All Scripture is profitable that we may be corrected and instructed in righteousness, that we may be spiritually complete and equipped for every good work (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Keeping this in mind as we prayerfully study these daily Scripture readings will serve to bring them to a personal level for us. In Daniel 9:1-10:21, Daniel has discovered a prophecy in the book of Jeremiah that the Babylonian captivity is to last 70 years. He is grieved for the sins of his people and appeals to God's mercy. Gabriel is sent by God in response to Daniel's supplication and we are given a glimpse of the unseen spiritual warfare that is unbeknownst to us when we involve ourselves in fervent prayer. Daniel is told that he is "greatly beloved" by God.
Daniel mourned three full weeks before God (10:2). He evidently committed himself to seek God for three weeks and "set his face toward the Lord" for this predetermined period of prayer, supplications, and fasting (9:3). During this time, Daniel was visited by a heavenly being who is described in chapter 10, verse 5-6. (This description seems to fit that of Christ in Revelation, however in verse 13, we read that "Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me".) The purpose of the visit is clearly stated in verse 14: "Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days". The heavenly being spoke words of compassion and courage to Daniel. "And he said, 'O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!"
There are many personal lessons on prayer for us in this passage. I believe our prayers would be much different if we could see what goes on behind the scenes when we pray. Do we set aside time periods to commit ourselves to prayer about matters that concern and grieve us? The fact that Daniel "set (his) heart to understand, and to humble (himself) before (his) God" (10:12), did not go unnoticed by God. His words were heard immediately and the heavenly being was sent because of Daniel's words (10:12).
"God's top priority for your life is to walk in close fellowship with Him" (Dr. Stanley' commentary on I John 1:3). We are blessed when we "walk in the light as He is in the light". If we do so, "we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin: (v. 7). Dr. Stanley also says this, "Obedience to God is necessary, He says, not optional; and those who habitually disobey do not know God". This was written in reference to I John 1:6: "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth".
I see the need to revisit my prayer life in light of these chapters in the book of Daniel, to rededicate myself to committing myself to periods of time given to prayer and fasting before God. Also, I have been inspired with a greater appreciation of God's word and with a greater desire to walk more closely to Him.
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