Do you ever wonder what happens when we pray? Have you ever felt like your words are dropping quietly into the air unheard? If you were honest, would you say that sometimes you think it is all for nothing?
Can you close your eyes for a minute and imagine this scene unfolding in the heavenlies?
“As soon as you began to pray a word went out, which I have come to tell you for you are highly esteemed.” Daniel 9:23
A word went out…
The very moment you BEGAN to pray.
There is no back log of prayers.
No waiting for response.
You pray. He acts.
So what is happening? Why does it seem to us with worn out knees that we must persevere in prayer? A few verses later we may have the answer:
“Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.” Daniel 10:12
That resistance you feel is real. Persevering in prayer is important because a battle of epic proportion may just be occurring in the unseen world on YOUR behalf. Your prayer is heard. It is not for nothing.
Wow. Any questions?
Isn’t it humbling? To think of the battles being raged right now, for us, each and every one of us who falls to our knees declaring Him Lord!
Yes – humbling for sure.
I’m actually so glad you wrote on this passage. First of all, I was so excited to finally reach Daniel. Love him. This passage confused me–because I was like–how can anyone hold up Jesus? Thanks for your perspective. And, yes, this passage is an eye-opener to how important prayer is! So super cool!
Come over for lunch and we’ll talk about it 🙂