‘He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.”’ (v22) Daniel 9:22–27
Scripture records events that can appear quite strange. They lie outside our normal, everyday experiences. Here, Daniel is greeted by the Angel Gabriel – the same angel who carried the news to Mary that she was to be the mother of Jesus.
Whilst I don’t regularly hold conversations with angelic beings during my morning prayers, I do accept that whilst it may appear that I am simply standing, sitting or kneeling in my lounge, there is a far more important activity taking place.
Unseen by the naked eye, I, together with all who pray, are participating in the constant conflict between God’s purpose, that is guaranteed ultimate victory, and Satan’s continuous, if fruitless, attempts to thwart it.
This is one reason I’m never surprised when my mind is distracted during prayer. I recognise that I’ve been daydreaming when intending to pray, or worrying about the day ahead, or even engaging in unholy thoughts!
The success of superhero movies convinces me that we all imagine a world of unseen forces influencing our life experience. Scripture teaches this isn’t mere science fiction.
We are ourselves engaged in a ferocious, often unseen, conflict. The influence of the evil we are up against can be observed in life’s global terrors. As Christians, we are invited to collaborate in God’s cause with our prayers and to secure ground in His eternal purpose.
Related Scripture to Consider: 2 Cor. 10:2–6; 1 Tim. 2:1–8; 2 Tim. 2:1–13; 1 Pet. 5:8–9.
An Action to Take: Many fellow Christians are today persecuted for their faith. Take time to learn about, and pray for, the challenges others face around the world.
A Prayer to Make: ‘Lord, I pray for all those throughout the world who are suffering on account of their faith. Strengthen, sustain and set free Your suffering church. Amen.’
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
