Scripture: Daniel 6:13
Then they responded to the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the interdict you have signed, but he is saying his prayers three times a day.”
Thought for the Day: The internet here at the church office was running slow the other day, so I did a quick speed test. A speed test shows what your download and upload speeds are, and in most cases, the download speed is two to five times faster than the upload speed. I’m sure some smart people could explain to me why that’s the case, but for the sake of this morning’s thought, I’m simply making the observation…and thinking about its relationship to prayer. I would guess that the speed of prayers and prayer response has a lot to do with the one on the receiving end. In the case of our prayers lifted to God, the ‘upload’ speed is probably pretty quick as God’s ability is beyond measure. When it comes to receiving God’s response to our prayers, we are very measurable, and depending on the day, the receptivity is pretty low. Daniel prayed three times a day, not because God needed a specific amount of prayer or because God needed reminders. Daniel prayed three times because Daniel needed to pray, to open himself to God and the words of grace that God was attempting to speak to him. Daniel was incredibly faithful and deeply connected to God, and if he needed to pray three times a day, how often do I need to pray… 30? It is important to remember that God hears every prayer you offer, even those without words. Know that God responds to those prayers, and even when our ability to receive that response is less than adequate, God will try again and again.
Prayer: I thank you, Lord, for the way you listen with such grace. May I learn from you, and grow in my capacity to receive your response of love. Amen.
THIS SUNDAY
4th Sunday of Advent
“Love Sunday”
When a Name Says A Lot
Matthew 1:18-25
