Devotion:
Read Daniel 6:6-10.
Daniel’s prayer ritual to God was known to the people around him. He practiced his ritual of faith openly before his community. There was no question that Daniel’s total loyalty was centered and focused on God. Later in chapter 6 the king himself commented on how Daniel faithfully served his God.
Habits can get a bad name as empty routines that have no meaning, or worse, done as showy demonstrations of spirituality. But routines can be helpful disciplines to reorient our hearts to God in the middle of life’s chaos. Regular routines are helpful for keeping us centered on God. Neglecting prayer and the study of God’s Word can result in spiritual separation from God. We need to step back and reserve time with God so that he remains our strength, guide, and encouragement.
Daniel knew the consequences of keeping his faith by praying, but he was willing to take the risk. He wanted to stay close to God and he did not hide his prayer time from others. For Daniel, God outweighed the risk of persecution. We too can demonstrate the value of time in prayer and in God’s Word that shapes us into the people God has called us to be. We need to be regularly connected to the source if we are going to see faith develop in our lives.
Personal Worship Option:
What spiritual habits are you engaging in to keep your life focused on God? How have you been blessed by these routines? God, help us to take the time to stay connected to you. Amen.
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