As we looked at Daniel chapter 6, we saw that although Daniel lived as an exile, he lived fully engaged in his culture. He maintained high personal integrity and demonstrated professional excellence. In addition to this, Daniel was a man of courage, discipline, and prayer. He is someone for us to admire. And yet, in spite of all this, he had opponents who wanted to sink him.

Because of this, perhaps Daniel’s greatest test of faith came later in life, when he may have been 70 years old. It was his simple and persistent commitment to the Lord in prayer that got Daniel into trouble, and it was this same commitment that provided such solidity to his life.

In prayer, we meet with God. In prayer, we are reminded that God reigns. It is through prayer that God strengthens us internally. And through prayer God works in all our outward circumstances.

Read Daniel 1:1-28

What stood out to you from this passage?

What characteristics of Daniel’s life with God stand out to you?

How is your heart drawn to cultivate a prayer life with God as a result?

What helps, and what hinders, your prayer life right now?

Pray for each other to grow as the disciples, who asked Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.”