Devotionals Detail

Reading: Daniel 6:6-27

Daniel in the Lions' Den is often told as the quintessential story of the power of prayer in fearful moments. The author explains that an angel came to protect prayerful Daniel and "shut the lions' mouths" because he was blameless before God, and that "no harm was found on him because he had trusted in his God" (Daniel 6:23).

For many readers, it can seem as though this story teaches that God will protect us from harm if we have the right kind of faith or prayer. Yet I have known many faithful people who were not protected from disease, disaster, or deep loss. Because of that, I hesitate to place the meaning of prayer in such a narrow box. In fact, doing so may ultimately harm a person's faith when life does not unfold that way.

So today, I want to look a little deeper into Daniel's story. When I do, I find that this account may be less about prayer as protection and more about prayer as witness.

The history behind the story helps provide context. Daniel and his companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refuse to eat the king's food and refuse to worship anyone but God (Daniel 1, 3, 6). Their stories reflect concerns that were very real for the Jewish people during the years 167-63 BCE. During that period, Jewish communities struggled with how much they should adapt to Greek culture. Under Antiochus IV, a statue of Zeus was erected in the temple, different dietary practices were introduced, and traditions such as observance of the Sabbath was banned. The question facing God's people was clear: How would they remain faithful?

I believe that same question confronts us today.

What does it mean to stand strong in our faith? Is it holding firmly to the values Jesus taught us and allowing those values to shape our lives? Is it maintaining practices that nurture our relationship with God? Is it committing ourselves to worship even when countless distractions compete for our attention?

Truthfully, I have witnessed a significant decline in the importance many people place on church over my more than thirty years of ministry. What was once a routine commitment to worship has become something people fit into their schedules when convenient. What were once widely shared convictions about caring for our neighbors have too often given way to the acceptance of prejudice. What was once an expectation of servant leadership has drifted toward the margins of church life. At times, it can be difficult to remain hopeful about the future of the church.

Yet Daniel's story reminds us that the witness of one faithful person still matters.

One person who worships God wholeheartedly inspires others to do the same. One person who lives according to their convictions becomes a witness to those around them. One person who serves faithfully in leadership invites another into the work of God's kingdom.

Daniel's prayer was not a strategy for self-preservation. It was an act of faithfulness.

And perhaps that is the invitation for us as well. Not to pray because we believe it guarantees protection from every hardship, but to pray because it bears witness to the One we trust.

May there be no fear in that prayer.