Daniel’s Prayer Life - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

Whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.
Daniel 6:7

Daniel's Prayer Life
The word of God gave Daniel plain directions for the circumstances in which he found himself. Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple anticipated his difficulties: "When they come to themselves in the land where they were carried captive and pray to You then hear in heaven Your dwelling place" (1 Ki. 8:47-49). In faith in God, Daniel acted according to the word of God. He refused to make any compromise.

The carnal mind might suggest, "Why not close the window and pray in secret?" Refusing any such compromise, he prayed with his windows open. But if he must pray with his window open, why select a front room facing towards the street? Without hesitation, he prayed in his room toward Jerusalem. But if he must pray with an open window toward Jerusalem, why need he go down on his knees? Could he not assume some other position that would not call attention to the fact that he was praying? No, Daniel would not give up the right attitude toward God; he knelt down.

If then he was so strict that he must pray with his windows open, looking toward Jerusalem and kneeling upon his knees, what need was there for doing it three times a day? Surely he could pray early in the morning before anyone was abroad, or late in the evening after everyone had retired? Indeed, could he not for these thirty days give up praying by day and pray by night instead? God can see and hear in the dark.

No such suggestions influence Daniel; he prays three times, and in the day. And though he is in captivity, and surrounded by those who are plotting for his life, he finds occasion to give thanks as well as to pray. Moreover, he prays and gives thanks "before his God." Men may see him praying, but it is before God, not men, that he prays. This was no new thing with Daniel.

Hamilton Smith