Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house, and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Daniel 6:10
On the roof of Daniel’s house was a special room. Windows in that room faced Jerusalem. Now an old man, Daniel had found that the spiritual strength and wisdom he enjoyed came from God, from his lifelong practice of going into that prayer room three times a day and kneeling in prayer. He neither could nor would take a vacation from this practice. It was too important, more critical to him than his daily food. Not even being aware of the plot against him by his envious fellow civil servants could force him to change. The decree the king signed was for only 30 days. But Daniel was not willing to go even one day without prayer. Imagine what we would see done for God today if we had Daniel’s commitment to his wonderful habit!
The prospect of a den of lions was not enough to keep Daniel from his daily communion with his God. What does it take to keep you and me from our time of prayer? What do we allow to eat up the time that we should be spending on our knees or in meditation on the Word of God? Who is permitted to interrupt our daily time of personal devotion to our Lord? It is little wonder that we lack the spiritual discernment that marked Daniel, or that we lack the courage and energy to stand up for God’s Name and God’s purposes as we make our way through our days. Daniel was a great man for God. His power lay in his devotion, in his daily refreshing of his spirit in God’s presence. The same privilege is available to you and me.
Daniel’s windows faced Jerusalem. And he kept those windows open when he prayed. Why? Daniel was making a point every time he prayed that the earthly king he served in Babylon was not as important as the heavenly King he worshipped. Facing Jerusalem indicated he was recognizing the lordship of the God of Israel, the rightful King Whose throne would one day be in Jerusalem. His open windows indicated his longing to see that One to whom he owed his greatest allegiance. No, he could not see Jerusalem from Babylon. But he know that the God of Israel could see him. What devotion we see in this great man! Such a spirit would do us well in our own lives.
Daniel rose above the petty threats and crass squabbles of the world around him. If we sought like Daniel to be in God’s presence and to recognize His lordship, we would also rise to spiritual heights as he did. – Jim MacIntosh