Daniel 10:2-3, 7-9 (NKJV) — 2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. 

Daniel took his supplication to the LORD very seriously. Daniel knew interaction with God changed things and would give him clarity. Here we see an example of Daniel’s persistent prayer and fasting continuing for 3 weeks, it wasn’t just a “one and done” prayer. The scriptures also show us how much an encounter with the LORD can affect us. We see Daniel and those with him were affected differently by God’s presence. Pastor Weston said on Sunday, “God’s greatness affects people in ways they don’t understand.” God’s greatness overpowers us and being with God changes us!

What needs for yourself or others has God put on your heart to pray for and what forms of supplication might God be calling you to?

How has God’s greatness affected and changed you and has God affected you in a way you don’t understand?

Daniel 10:12-13, 15-16 (NKJV) — 12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 15 When he had spoken such words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. 16 And suddenly, one having the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, “My lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength. 

Daniel’s prayer was heard right away by God and He sent His messenger angel to answer Daniel. In verse 13 we see there is a spiritual battle going on around us. The physical and spiritual realms are connected and God has His angels fighting spiritual battles that impact the physical world. Daniel was so overwhelmed by the magnitude of the message coming to him that he lost all strength and could not speak. The angel touched his lips to give him strength and in a similar way God reaches us through His Word and Holy Spirit. Pastor Weston asked us the question on Sunday, “to what extent is your anxiety, fear, and anger waying you down? In which way are you broken or weak?” 

What message is God sending you this week and in what way are you requesting the LORD to strengthen you?

Where do your concerns lie? Ask the LORD to touch your lips and converse with Him through the Holy Spirit. Let God reveal your heart in prayer.