THE DOCTORATE OF PRAYER
Daniel 6:10 NLT
But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room with its windows open to Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.
I often marvel and reflect on the life of Daniel. What an inspiring, compelling story of a man who endured so much brutality and injustice. Here is a man, the son of nobles in Israel, who at 17 years of age, most likely witnessed his own parents being brutally executed by the invading king of Babylon. Consequently, Daniel was forced, against his will, into captivity, and eventually castrated, as was the practice of the Babylonians for young men serving in the court. What horrific mistreatment. I imagine, as I read the Psalms of David’s expressions of anguish, heartache and despair, the similar feelings and expressions of pain, anger, and terror Daniel had to endure and experience. Oh the anguish that must have emanated from his soul. I understand how natural it would have been for him to be enraged at God, to blame God for his terrible misfortune, and turn his heart away from God.
Yet, we see throughout the book of Daniel the profound secret to his life, endurance, and success during the decades of his captivity in Babylon. The verse at the beginning of this article was written when Daniel was almost 80 years old. We see a man who has spent his lifetime in captivity, faithfully devoted to prayer to God each and every day! In fact, 3 times a day.
When Daniel is in his early 20’s, having been placed into service of the king, we find him threatened with death. The Babylonian astrologers could not tell the king his dream, nor interpret it for him. In a furious rage, the king orders all the astrologers and wise men to be executed, including Daniel. The sheer terror Daniel must have felt, and yet Daniel’s first response was to pray. To pray and ask God for help and wisdom. This devoted practice of prayer was the hallmark of Daniel’s life for the next 60 years. It was Daniel’s prayer life that got him thrown into the lions’ den. If ever there was a man with his Doctorate of Prayer, it was Daniel.
Daniel’s life has inspired me countless times over the last 50 years. As a young man beginning my journey with Christ, I was determined to emulate his life and his devoted practice of prayer, of seeking the God of heaven.
Here is an ironic thing: though I have never acquired a college degree of any kind, I recently took the time to calculate the time I’ve spent in prayer during the last 50 years. The average doctorate takes about 6 years to get. I have actually spent the equivalent of at least 6.4 years, 40 hours per week, praying.
I always begin my day very early in the morning in prayer. I pray again mid-morning with my wife, and end the day once again with my wife, in brief prayer before bed.
Let me challenge you—Pray. If you are feeling weary—Pray. If you are feeling exhausted—Pray. If you are feeling despair—Pray. If you are feeling discouraged—Pray. If you are facing desperate times—Pray. If you need wisdom—Pray. If you need help—Pray. If you are consumed with worry and fear—Pray. If you don’t think you can go on—Pray. If you are facing obstacles—Pray. Make it your aim in life to achieve your own Doctorate of Prayer. Worship God and give him thanks in prayer. Let the words of your heart pour out to God in prayer.
I consider the Doctorate of Prayer my most important accomplishment in life. It is a doctorate not of the study of prayer, or reading books about prayer, but of really actually praying and the purposeful seeking of God. Pouring out my heart to God, seeking him for his wisdom, thanking and praising him for his profound blessings and gifts in my life. I have only endured all that God has taken me through because of prayer.
No matter who you are, we all have equal access to God. Men, I challenge you—aspire to attain a PHD of Prayer.
I believe this 2 part series on Daniel would be a great encouragement to you, as we are also exiles in this world. Please listen and be encouraged.
https://strongdisciple.com/
https://strongdisciple.com/
Helping you become a Strong Disciple,
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Mark Darling
