READING: Jeremiah 7:1-8:3, Daniel 2:1-3:30
Just two days ago, I taught my students about this topic. We were talking about prayer, and we discussed the fact that so much of our praying is reactionary praying—that is, we try to fix a problem first and then turn to God only when we realize we’re stuck. Prayer is a secondary resource rather than a primary one. That kind of “praying” is hardly relational, and it generally becomes a “fix” rather than fellowship with the Creator who wants us to come to Him.
All of us, of course, face situations where we have to decide what to do; sometimes, in fact, we must decide quickly. What Daniel shows us in today’s reading, though, is helpful in these cases. The frustrated king had declared the deaths of all those who could not state and interpret his dreams. Daniel and his friends would have been among that number—except that Daniel quickly turned in the right direction for wisdom: he sought some time to determine next steps, turned to his friends for prayer support, and joined with them in seeking God. Indeed, he urged them to turn to the only One who could give Nebuchadnezzar the proper interpretation. Nebuchadnezzar may have been the king, but God is the One in control who grants wisdom and power.
And, He’s still the One to whom you and I must turn today. First. Proactively.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: On this Lord’s day, have you prayed proactively for your church’s leaders? For yourself?
DAILY PRAYER: “May the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to him” (Dan 2:20).
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 8:4-11:23