Connections that Count |March 02, 2021

Read 

Daniel 6:7 & 9-11 

7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den… 9 So King Darius put the decree in writing. 

10 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. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.  

Reflect

Today we focus on habits of embrace/presence. How we, in the face of tough circumstances, can have patterns to be present before God.  

• “Three times a day”– Why do you think it was a big deal for Daniel to intentionally pray three times each day? What would be three strategic times in your day to establish a rhythm for prayer?  
• “on his knees and prayed”- Often people in the Bible prayed with a specific posture (on their knees, arms or hands outstretched, etc). What do you think having a habit of a physical posture during at least one of your times of prayer might do?   
• “giving thanks to God”- In Daniel’s circumstance we wouldn’t anticipate prayer beginning with thanksgiving. What might be a reason beginning with thanksgiving might be transformative? 

Apply 

Designate three times each day during this week for prayer. Don’t be intimidated! This might be very brief. Follow the pattern of Daniel by adopting a physical posture of prayer and beginning each prayer with thanksgiving.

Pray

Thank you, Lord, that while you are holy and perfect, you delight for me to come before you in prayer! Give me a hunger for your presence, I want to know you more. I commit each moment of my day to you. I recognize you go before me today. Give me open eyes and an open heart for what you have for me today. I love you!   

Song

Breathe by Hillsong Worship