The Effectual Prayers of Daniel

When we think of Daniel the prophet, we think of his wonderful prophecies. About half of the book of Daniel deals with prophecy. The book of Daniel also presents an amazing demonstration of effectual, intercessory prayer. Intercessory prayer is earnestly praying for others (Daniel 9:5, 11).

Daniel 6:10 says, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

1. THE DISCIPLINE OF DANIEL'S EFFECTUAL PRAYING.
   Psalm 55:17 says,“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Another important part of Daniel's prayers was confession of sin (9:4, 20).

2. THE METHOD OF DANIEL'S EFFECTUAL PRAYING.
   Daniel prayed effectively because Daniel knew the Word of God (Dan. 9:1, 2; cf. Jeremiah 25:11, 12).

3. THE RESULTS OF DANIEL'S EFFECTUAL PRAYER.
   In Daniel 10, Daniel prayed for three weeks but his prayer was still not answered. Daniel's prayer was answered and he was told why it took three weeks.(Dan. 10:11-13). Daniel's praying set the unseen, supernatural world in motion (Daniel 9:20-23).

Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Christians must break these satanic strongholds through fervent intercessory prayer – prayer that is motivated by the Spirit of God and the Word of God.