June 12, 2025

PRAYER IN THE MIDST OF CRISIS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.”

Daniel 6:4-5 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 toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help. So they went straight to the king and reminded him about his law. “Did you not sign a law that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions?” “Yes,” the king replied, “that decision stands; it is an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.” Then they told the king, “That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day.” Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament.

Daniel 6:10-14 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

In Daniel chapter six, we encounter one of the most powerful stories in the Bible. Daniel has been elevated to a high position in the kingdom of the Medes and Persians, serving under King Darius. Even after the fall of Babylon, Daniel’s wisdom and character were so evident that the new king retained him in leadership.

1. The Power of Jealousy

The other officials couldn’t handle Daniel’s success. Jealousy drove them to conspire against him. They weren’t bothered by his performance—he was doing an excellent job—they were bothered by his promotion.

Jealousy is a destructive force. It doesn’t celebrate others—it seeks to sabotage them. However, we must remember blowing out someone else’s candle doesn’t make yours shine any brighter.

2. A Life of Integrity

Daniel’s life was so blameless that his enemies couldn’t find a single flaw in his conduct. So, they targeted the one thing they knew he wouldn’t compromise—his faith.

What do people see when they look at our lives? Do we live with such integrity that others would have to invent lies to discredit us?

3. Unshakable Commitment to Prayer

Even when prayer was outlawed, Daniel didn’t panic or hide. He simply continued doing what he had always done—praying three times a day. He didn’t pray to make a statement; he prayed because that’s who he was.

Too often we treat prayer as optional—something we do when the time allows. But for Daniel, prayer was essential. During high responsibility, pressure, and danger, prayer remained a priority.

4. Steadfast Faith in Crisis

Despite the threat of being thrown into a den of lions, Daniel didn’t waver. His peace and trust in God didn’t change just because his circumstances did.

Pressure reveals what’s really in us. Do we stay faithful when tested? Do we hold our peace when crisis hits, or do we compromise and panic?

5. God Honors Faithfulness

God responded to Daniel’s faith by shutting the mouths of lions. Daniel spent the night in peace, and by morning, he was lifted even higher. His enemies were exposed, and God received the glory.

What was meant to destroy Daniel became the very thing God used to promote him.

Closing Thought

Every crisis can become a platform for God to elevate us. Like Daniel, we must walk in integrity, live by faith, and never underestimate the power of a praying life.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me to recognize the importance of prayer in my daily life. Help me to remain faithful, even in times of pressure or crisis. Let my life be marked by integrity and trust in You. Use my trials as testimonies and help me represent You well in every season. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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