Pray Like Daniel: Seek God With The Impossible

Author: Kari Amore

If you're anything like me, you've probably heard the stories of the great prophet Daniel. This guy was something special. His faith in God was powerful, steadfast, and worth learning about. Likely, you've heard the stories about Daniel in the Lions Den and how Daniel was able to interpret dreams for the King of Babylon. These are truly wonderful and exciting accounts of testimony to the power of God. And many preachers have given sermons based on the climax and the saving power of God. Rightly so! No doubt, these are amazing examples of the power of God. While I love a good story climax as much as the next guy, I found something interesting in re-reading the account of Daniel interpreting the King's Dream in Daniel 2. While reading this chapter for the hundredth time in my life, the Holy Spirit revealed a new truth to me.

For the first time, I saw and understood the steps Daniel took before the Kings dream was revealed to him. These steps jumped off of the page at me and I found myself writing down a step-by-step guide for how we are to seek God in expectation for the impossible in our lives. Today, I'm sharing this revelation by the Spirit with you. This revelation is taken from Daniel 2:14-30. Quick recap of what's going on before we dive in. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a disturbing dream one night. When he woke up from this dream, he was compelled to find someone who could interpret this dream. He also demanded that they recount the dream for him, proving they truly had the power to see dreams. He sought the counsel of his soothsayers, astrologers, and magicians, yet none could recount his dream. In his distress, the King ordered all of these men slain. When Daniel caught wind of this, he connected with the King's guard and asked for some time and then he would be able to complete this task for the king. In our text, Daniel 2:14-30, we see what Daniel did during this next phase which leads to his ability to recount the dream and subsequently provide the interpretation for the King.

This guidance is provided for the times when things are impossible. This is serious. Sometimes we forget what we are doing and don't give the reality of our prayer life enough weight. We are to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5:17) and when we do that, it can become so second nature that we treat it casually. But this type of prayer is for something different. This is the prayer guideline for when we are faced with the impossible and our needs are dyer. We must approach it a little differently.

Step 1: Give it Time and Take the Time

Scripture Reference: Daniel 2:16 - Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.

Time. Daniel's first order of business was to ask for time. Why? Because Daniel knew that in his own power, there was no way he could accomplish this request. Daniel not only knew that he couldn't, but he knew that his GOD could. That is great faith. Think about that for a second. Do you have enough faith in God that you would offer up your own life on a task you know is impossible without Him? If we are being honest, this would be a really hard question for any of us to answer with a resounding yes. I think it's important for us to see this passage not as a condemnation for not having enough faith, but rather as a guide for us on steps to take when we find ourselves in a situation that is impossible for us. Consider for a moment that maybe the reason the Holy Spirit included this in the scripture was for us to find it and follow it when we see the impossible in front of us.

Time. This is an important first step. It requires both patience and commitment from us. We are told to take the time. Be patient for the answer. And commit our time to seeking the Lords help. This time is an admission that without God's help, we are powerless over what comes next and forces a reliance on him for whatever comes next. This also eludes to the fact that prayer has power to move the heart of the father. But more on that in the coming steps.

Step 2: Gather the Warriors

Scripture Reference: Daniel 2:17 - Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:

Gather. The next step is to gather a team of believers that will commit to seeking the Lord with you. But why? Why would we need to gather others to seek the Lord with us? By doing this, we see that we aren't meant to carry the impossible by ourselves. When facing the impossible, I find it more natural to hide-away from others. I'm a private person and don't like to let many into my protective candy coated heart. Can you relate? But, God is telling us through this passage that he wants us to gather with other believers and lean on them for help in our times of trouble. And likewise, be prepared to be the support for fellow believers when we are called to it.

Gather. Matthew 18:20 states, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." There is power in number. This scripture tells us that we have the power to call down the God of the universe and have audience with him. Wow! Let that sink in. In our time of need, we as believers, are equipped with the power to summon the ear of the Master who can calm the stormy seas, heal the blind, and raise the dead. In short, by gathering with believers, we gain access to the one who can accomplish the impossible.

Gather. I Peter 4:8-10 states, "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." Jesus wants us to do life together. It's how he designed it. Christians are to gather, work together, hold each other up, and give of their gifts to edify the body of Christ. That's called intimacy with other believers.

It's important to consider who you are gathering into this time of seeking the Lord. It must be others who believe in the power of God to move the mountain of impossible you are facing. It must be someone you trust will be committed to this task. And it must be someone you trust with secrecy as this is likely a very vulnerable place you are getting into. This is serious and you will want others who will take it seriously with you. This is not the time to mess around with maybe's.

Step 3: Be Specific in What You Are Asking For and Pray.

Scripture Reference: Daniel 2:18 - That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

Specificity. In this scripture, we are given an account of a very specific request made by Daniel and his friends. Collectively, they requested the secret to be revealed and for their lives to be spared regardless the outcome. Why not just ask for prayer from your friends for an unspoken request? Why the specificity? Because we are seeking God for the impossible here. This has nothing to do with whether or not God can or whether God knows what you need. He can and He does. This specificity is for our benefit. We are utilizing the promise he gave us and the power we have to gather in HIS name and summon an audience with the Holy One. Once obtaining that audience with the king, would you go into his presence and just say..."you know what I need."? No, you'd be specific in your request, brief in the delivery, and humble in your request with the hope that He will hear you, show compassion on you, and move on your behalf.

Specificity. By summoning the King's ear to our request, it's important that each of the warriors with us are delivering the same request to God. Not a version of it, but the specificity of it. As an example, let's consider that your kids and their friends were all wanting ice cream. If your kids and their friends came to you and were all asking you for what they individually wanted, it would likely sound like noise. One wants vanilla with sprinkles, one wants chocolate, one wants the ice cream truck. But if they all came to you, in one accord, with the same message...they'd like to have ice cream with the options to customize it, you may think...Sundae bar it is and be more likely to grant their request. Why? For one, they took the time to plan their request and carry it out in one accord. That would carry more weight with you in the importance of that request to them. And therefore may move your heart to act on the request. Are we not imagers of God? Did he not create us with similar thought processes? If we gather together with His other children, and in one accord bring our request to Him, wouldn't that show him our seriousness in the request? It would reveal our hearts a little more deeply and show him we are committed to the process and are helpless without him. And wouldn't He, who is so much more loving than we are, not bend his ear toward us and lovingly provide what's best for us?

Pray. This is where we act on the promise and faithfully carry out the plan, as believers, together. Seek him boldly and humbly, and have faith that he will do what he promised. He will show up. He will answer. It may not look like what we thought, but He will answer.

Step 4: THEN...God Moves

Scripture Reference: Daniel 2:19 - Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

THEN. There is so much power in the THEN. I previously wrote an article on "The Power of Then". I encourage you to read it by clicking the link here. https://www.pursuingsanctification.com/post/power-of-then

The THEN is God's commitment to us, and this scripture announces a THEN promise. If we do our steps, THEN HE WILL! As you complete steps 1-3 faithfully, say out loud or to yourself, "God I'm trusting you. God, I know with utmost confidence that YOU ARE. God, I believe your word that tells me if I, THEN YOU WILL, so here I am."

Step 5: Thank God Privately

Scripture Reference: Daniel 2:20-23 - 20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: 22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. 23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter.

Thank Him. Because He is faithful, always. He deserves your personal and private, heartfelt praise. This is your personal time with him to pour your heart out to your Master for rescuing you from the impossible, even if it's not at all what you thought it would look like. In your trust in His goodness, you, believer, can KNOW that his answer is the right one. Thank him for his provision.

Thank Him. Because he showed up and listened to you and your warriors as he promised. The King of All things showed up and gave you audience. For that alone, thank him.

Step 6: Publicly Give Credit Where Credit is Due

Scripture Reference: Daniel 2:27-30 - 27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; 28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; 29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass. 30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

Testimony. Before Daniel delivered the revelation given to him by God, he was careful to ensure that King Nebuchadnezzar received the testimony of the revelation. Daniel was careful to give God the credit and show the power over the impossible by our God alone. Even at the risk of his own peril for doing so, Daniel testified about his God.

Testimony. It's a crucial last step to complete this process. It testifies that the impossible was not accomplished by anything we did. But gives credit to the one who moved mountains and rescued us in our time of need. This testimony brings glory to God, and may impact someone hearing it. You never know who needs to hear your testimony. And you many never know the seed being planted by that testimony. But this step is important in the faithful accomplishment of our commitment to this plan. You may have received God's provision, but your commitment to this process and obedience to the call is not complete until your testimony is shared.

Closing Prayer

Abba, Yeshua, Breath,

Thank you for revealing this truth from your word to us today. It's so timely in my personal life. Please give us the strength and courage to embrace this challenge. Help bring our team of warriors into our lives so that we may seek you according to the steps you've laid out for us. And please continue to reveal truths to us as we pursue our sanctification journey with you. We are constantly in awe of your love for us, as we know we are unworthy. May our lives bring glory to you as we strive to honor you in our decisions. I ask, for my brothers and sisters who are reading this, that you will meet them where they are in their journey of faith and give them a fresh word from you. As my mother would pray for me, please give each of them a tangible nugget to cling to today, Abba. A nugget that reminds them you are with them always. We love you. In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen.

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