Weekly Reflection – Persistent Faith

Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously.

— Daniel 6:10

When the order went out that all under Babylonian rule must worship only the god Nebo and, by extension, Nebo’s representative, King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel’s faith did not waver nor did his prayer habits change. Daniel was fully aware of the death sentence associated with his actions yet being thrown into the lion’s pit did not deter him from expressing his loyalty and gratitude to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

While we all agree it’s important to pray during times of trouble, Daniel went further. This young Israelite dedicated himself to prayer before he was thrown into the lions’ den, he continued in prayer during his time there, and he persevered in prayer and thanksgiving after his deliverance. This was Daniel’s expression of his complete and relentless faith in the one true God of Israel.