Devotionals for the Heart: The power of prayer still works for us today

Open the Window and Pray to God
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.”—Daniel 6:10 (NKJV)

The Bible story of Daniel in the lion’s den has always captivated my spiritual imagination. It is a true tale about a noble, old man standing firm on his faith in the face of demonic conspiracy to erase his godly influence within the kingdom.

No guile was found in Daniel, yet he was dragged from the opulence of Babylonian/Persian royalty and thrown unceremoniously into a den of hungry lions. Daniel survived the night in a den of lions because the king and his friends in defiance of the law that put him there, prayed for Daniel.

The miracle of Divine intervention has three dimensions I would like to highlight. First: King Darius fasted and prayed to God to save Daniel then he became converted because Daniel was not killed by the lions. Second: The same people who conspired against Daniel and tricked the king were uncovered, disgraced and sentenced to the same punishment they had arranged for Daniel. Third: Because Daniel opened his windows and prayed during the crisis, the entire world was informed of the Living God. Daniel and others prospered even more, and many people came into a knowledge of God’s love, providence, grace and mercy.

What if we opened the windows of our minds to the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence of God when we prayed? Would we pray differently, more confidently? Might we see Him in places that we don’t expect? Daniel saw God’s presence and power in the den of lions. Where do you need to see Him?

What if we prayed humbly and sincerely in public places? Years ago, a young man whom I have known since birth was driving home from college. His speeding ticket summoned him to appear in court. In the hallway outside the courtroom, his lawyer told him that the penalty for driving over the speed limit at 90 miles an hour could be six months in jail. I said, “Let me pray for you before you go into the courtroom to intercede for this young man.”

The young man, his mother, sister, twin brother, the lawyer and I immediately stopped. Together, we prayed. The lawyer went inside the courtroom while we continued to pray. After a few minutes the lawyer returned looking amazed. He told us that the arresting officer spoke well of the young man’s demeanor. The judge reduced the level of the infraction, pronounced a fine and released the young man with a warning never to drive that fast again, anywhere. As they say in some Christian churches and circles, “Won’t He (God) do it?”

As we were leaving the hallway, people who saw us praying asked what happened. When we told them, a few asked if I would pray with them. I did. I did not stay to see their verdicts, because I had already seen the glory of the Lord. This I do know: People who saw it told that story to others. The best preaching comes in the form of sincere testimonies about what God did, does, can and will do for humankind.

My challenge for you today and every day is: As you pray, don’t be afraid to open the windows of your mind, your house, your car and let your faith be seen. Do not be a spectacle. Do not be offensive to others, but don’t be ashamed to pray to God.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Hear our prayer today and help us pray like Daniel did. It is clear that Daniel could pray with hope and confidence because prayer was a habit for him, as were seeing answers to the prayers he prayed. May that be our experience also. Grow our faith by answering our small prayers. Then, Lord, move us to bigger prayers and answers as you did for Daniel. This I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Confidence” by Sanctus Real featuring Arden. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Somebody Prayed for Me” by Dorothy Norwood. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson is the Director Emeritus of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. In this role, he was the friend, advocate and gatekeeper for the profession of chaplaincy among Adventist pastors. 

His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching. He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential.

His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained.

Subsequently, he served in the Potomac Conference at the Sligo and Seabrook churches. His professional dream was to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. He got to live that dream and achieved the rank of Commander before retiring from Naval service in 2015 with 26 years of service.

Chaplain Anderson has earned four graduate degrees: He earned his Master of Divinity Degree was earned at the seminary at Andrews University. He earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Sacred Theology from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Chaplain Anderson and his wife Debra have been married for 41 years. They have two healthy, saved and well-adjusted adult children who picked good spouses and delivered four grandchildren.

Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address: psanderson75@gmail.com.