Pastor Stephen Dedman

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬

Question
Is your private prayer life strong enough to sustain you when your faith is tested?

Context
Daniel had risen to a place of great influence in the kingdom of Persia (modern day Iran). Because of jealousy, other officials devised a plan to destroy him. They convinced King Darius to sign a decree making it illegal to pray to any god except the king for thirty days. Anyone who disobeyed would be thrown into the lions’ den.

When Daniel learned about the decree, he did not panic, protest, or compromise. Instead, he did what he had always done; he went to his room, opened his windows toward Jerusalem, and knelt in prayer. The key phrase is “as was his custom since early days.” Daniel’s courage in a public crisis was built on a lifetime of private devotion.

His prayer life did not begin when the danger came; it had already been established long before the threat appeared.

Application
Faith that stands in public is formed on its knees in private. Daniel did not suddenly become faithful when the decree was signed. His consistency with God prepared him for the moment of testing. Many believers want courage in difficult moments, but courage grows out of daily communion with God.

When prayer becomes your regular habit, it anchors your heart when pressure rises. The same God who heard Daniel’s prayers before the decree also sustained him through the lions’ den.

Truth For The Day
Consistent prayer builds courageous faith.

Pray
Lord, help me to develop a faithful and consistent prayer life. Teach me to seek You daily so that when challenges come, my faith will remain steady. Strengthen my devotion and give me the courage to stand for You in every situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone.
‭‭II Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What do you need to lay before God today?

Context
King Hezekiah’s prayed during a national crisis. The powerful Assyrian empire, led by King Sennacherib, had invaded Judah and was threatening Jerusalem. Assyria had already conquered many nations, and their military reputation was terrifying.

Sennacherib sent a message mocking both Judah and their God, claiming that no god had been able to stop Assyria. When Hezekiah received the threatening letter, he went to the temple and spread it before the Lord (2 Kings 19:14). Instead of responding with panic or political strategy first, he responded with prayer.

In his prayer, Hezekiah acknowledged God’s sovereignty and power over all nations. Then in verse 19 he asks God to deliver Judah, not merely for their survival, but so the whole world would know that the Lord alone is God.

Application
Hezekiah teaches us that prayer should move beyond simply asking God to solve our problems. Our greatest desire should be that God’s power and glory are revealed through our circumstances. When we face pressure, opposition, or fear, we can bring those concerns honestly to God. But like Hezekiah, we should pray with a bigger perspective and ask God to act in ways that point others to Him. Even in crisis, our lives can become a testimony that the Lord alone is God.

Truth For The Day
God fights battles we cannot win on our own.

Pray
Lord, I place my fears and pressures before You. I trust You to defend and deliver. Help me to see and experience Your sovereignty through love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
‭‭I Kings‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬

Question
Are your prayers focused more on blessing or becoming?

Context
Solomon has just become king after David’s death. He is young, inexperienced, and stepping into one of the most significant leadership roles in Israel’s history. The nation is at peace, but the weight of responsibility is enormous. God appears to Solomon in a dream and says something staggering: “Ask! What shall I give you?” (1 Kings 3:5)

When given the opportunity to ask for anything, Solomon didn’t ask for wealth or power, he asked for wisdom to lead God’s people well.

Application
Solomon teaches us to pray for capacity before comfort. Instead of asking God to remove the pressure, ask Him to increase discernment. Whether you are leading a family, managing a business, or serving in ministry, you need a listening heart more than quick answers. Wisdom guards what God entrusts to you. Today, shift your prayer from outcomes to obedience, and trust God to shape your heart for every responsibility you carry. God delights when we ask for what aligns with His heart. Instead of praying only for comfort or success, pray for wisdom and discernment.

Truth For The Day
God gives wisdom generously to those who ask.

Pray
Lord, give me a listening heart. Help me discern what is right. Guard me from reacting in emotion. Shape my judgment with Your truth. Entrust me with wisdom so I may steward well what You’ve placed in my hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.