Daniel 2:17-23

Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.  He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.  During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision.  Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said:  “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.  He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them.  He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.  He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.  I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:  You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.”

“I can do it on my own.”  “I don’t need any help.”  How many times have you heard these phrases, or even at sometime muttered the words yourself?  Many I am sure if you are like me.  I don’t know what it is, but I find myself doing this all too often.  And then what happens?  Well, I usually get myself into trouble because I couldn’t complete the task on my own or I get hurt in the process.

Well needless to say, Daniel is a little more humble than I am.  What did he do when he was faced with huge obstacle?  He runs home and asks his friends for help.  He just doesn’t ask them to pray to God, a much stronger phrase is used.  “Plead for mercy from the God of heaven”.

We are always faced with difficult times in our life.  Whether it be a difficult illness, a conflict in our marriage, a death in the family, or anything else that happens during the course of the day that draws our attention away in a negative way.  It affects all of us differently and we all handle it differently, but that doesn’t mean we are alone when we are going through it.  We need to look at Daniel and follow his faith.  We need to ask those around us to plead for God’s mercy and his help in these time.  Prayer of one is a powerful thing, but the prayers of many multiply that strength.  Don’t ever be afraid to use that strength when we are weak. 

Heavenly Father, We give you thanks this day for the power of prayer.  Your greatness and love know no bounds.  I ask this day that You would break down the walls of loneliness and be there with those who do feel all alone.  Change the seasons in their heart and bring them renewed warmth and light.  We give you thanks for this community and the hands that come together to support each other and to worship you.  In your name we pray.  Amen