A Prayer about Gospel Resolve
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine. (Dan. 1:8 NIV)
Dear Father, the older I get, the more I’m convicted and encouraged by the life of Daniel and his exiled friends. May the gospel bring me greater freedom to live and love as this man did— with passion, conviction, wisdom, and hope.
I used to read the book of Daniel as a survival manual for life in a scary, godless world. But that’s not the way you wrote the book. I now realize that Daniel is a testimony to your commitment to redeem your people from all the nations, including Babylon. Indeed, you intend to bring the transforming power of the gospel to bear wherever you send your people, including Babylon. I wish I’d understood this sooner. But better now than never!
With a better understanding of the gospel, here’s my prayer: Father, help me and my friends make the kinds of commitments Daniel made so we can live as instruments of your transforming presence where you’ve placed us.
Keep us wise to the particular “defilements” that wage war against our hearts and your story— not just the things in “Babylon” but the things in the dark continent of our hearts. If only I had to be concerned about just the things outside of me—but the things around me only tend to ignite the lust and greed within me.
I’m now convinced that the best way I can “resolve not to defile myself” of the wrong kingdom is by feasting regularly upon the royal food and wine King Jesus gives us.
Jesus, I praise you for the bread and the cup of the new covenant. As the Bread of Heaven, feed us till we want no more. As the giver of the water of life, quench our thirst that we might live and love as Daniel did— with passion, conviction, wisdom, and hope. I pray in your loving and holy name.
Amen.