pray fervently

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GET INTO THE STUDY 10 minutes

SESSION 8

PRAY FERVENTLY

GUIDE: Direct the group to look at the picture (PSG, p. 92). DISCUSS: Question #1 (PSG, p. 92): When the going gets tough, how

The Point

quickly do you call for

Our prayers connect us with

help?

God’s plan.

GUIDE: Direct attention to

The Bible Meets Life

The Bible Meets Life (PSG,

It’s common for all of us—even

p. 93). Note that when

non-Christians—to pray and ask

problems arise, some of us

God for help when a problem arises.

tend to want to fix it ourselves

That’s OK, because God invites us

before asking for help. But

to pray and talk with Him. But we

God wants us to turn to

should ask ourselves: am I seeking God or am I just seeking an answer from

Him first.

Him? Daniel and his friends needed God’s help. They prayed, God answered,

GUIDE: Introduce

and Daniel kept the focus on God and not just on the answer He gave.

The Point (PSG, p. 93):

The Passage

Our prayers connect us with God’s plan. SAY: “Daniel faced a challenge he knew he could not achieve without God’s intervention.”

Daniel 2:13-21,26-28a

The Setting Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar had a disturbing dream. He called “the diviner-priests, mediums, sorcerers, and Chaldeans” (Dan. 2:2) in the land to interpret the dream for him. Perhaps the anguish of the dream caused him to forget its contents, or perhaps he feared his wise men would merely concoct some explanation, but in any case he required the men to tell him the dream as well as its meaning. When they could not comply, the king was about to execute the whole lot of them. Daniel volunteered to bring God’s interpretation to the king.

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© 2015 LifeWay

Daniel 2:13-16

STUDY THE BIBLE

13 The decree was issued that the wise men were to be

executed, and they searched for Daniel and his friends, to

Daniel 2:13-16 10 minutes

execute them. 14 Then Daniel responded with tact and discretion to Arioch,

the commander of the king’s guard, who had gone out to

ASK: “How many of you have ever had a dream that bothered you?” Ask for a show

execute the wise men of Babylon.

of hands, but don’t take time

15 He asked Arioch, the king’s officer, “Why is the decree

for members to talk about

from the king so harsh?” Then Arioch explained the situation

their dreams.

to Daniel. 16 So Daniel went and asked the king to give him some time,

so that he could give the king the interpretation. KEY WORDS: Wise men (v. 13)—A general term referring to the king’s counselors.

GUIDE: Offer some background for the focal passage. Explain that Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that disturbed him. His dreams haunted him with a vague

When problems arise, take time to seek God. Nebuchadnezzar [neb yoo kad NEZ uhr] was ruler of Babylon and a conqueror of nations. He had every reason to feel confident in his position of power and wealth. No power on earth posed a threat to his security. He had enormous wealth. He was feared and respected, and no one dared dispute him or question his word. Nebuchadnezzar’s mighty armies were winning victory after victory in the fields of war. Yet, internal conflicts often trouble us more than external ones. Such was the case with Nebuchadnezzar. Early in his reign King Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that “troubled” him (v. 1). His disturbing dreams haunted him with a vague suspicion that he and his kingdom were threatened by something beyond his control, something invisible, something to be feared. Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams were so troubling that “sleep deserted him” (v. 1). Apparently he had the same dream night after night until he could not sleep at all. Many modern people can identify with sleepless nights caused by anxiety. While today’s worriers may take sleeping pills, alcohol, or other kinds of drugs, Nebuchadnezzar looked to “diviner-priests, mediums, sorcerers, and Chaldeans” (v. 2) to unravel the dream that puzzled and © 2015 LifeWay

suspicion that he and his kingdom were threatened by something beyond his control, something invisible, something to be feared. To emphasize the importance of dreams to ancient neareastern kings, call attention to the “Digging Deeper” feature (PSG, p. 95). Summarize the information. Note the king put tremendous pressure on his “wise men” (v. 13) by demanding that they not only interpret the dream, but that they also tell him the dream without his revealing the dream to them.

S U G G E S T E D U S E | W E E K O F O C T O B E R 25

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THE POINT

Our prayers connect us with God’s plan.

Because none of his counselors could reveal the dream, the king went into one of his infamous rages, ordering all his counselors to be executed. Note that Daniel and his Hebrew friends who had been brought captive from Jerusalem were among those to be rounded up and killed.

READ: Invite a volunteer to read Daniel 2:13-16.

GUIDE: Invite the group to think about why a coach calls a time-out for his team. Many times it is because things are not going so well, and the team needs some time to rest or evaluate how they need to change their strategy. Note that in this life-or-death situation, Daniel was asking the king for a “time out” to petition the only One who could meet the king’s demand: Almighty God. Acknowledge that most of us have not faced a crisis in which we must deliver or die. Yet many of our crises can seem just as daunting.

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concerned him. The king ordered all of his spiritual advisers to interpret the dreams. Instead of telling his advisors about the details of the dream, he insisted that they tell him what he had dreamed and offer an interpretation (v. 5). In all probability Nebuchadnezzar had little confidence in his alleged wise men and he was testing their integrity more so than their intelligence. By insisting that they tell him the content of the dream as well as its interpretation, Nebuchadnezzar would know they truly had supernatural insight. Twice the wise men asked for the dream, and twice the king rebuked them (vv. 4-9). The wise men protested that only gods could tell and explain such dreams (vv. 10-11). The king’s obstacle would prove to be God’s opportunity to intervene and to work through Daniel. Obviously God can communicate in a variety of ways. Missionaries have reported that unbelievers have experienced dreams about Jesus being the Sovereign Lord, which has led to conversions. Dreams today, however, must be evaluated by the authority of Scripture. God does not inspire dreams that evade the supremacy of Christ or side step the clear testimony of His Word. Any revelation from God to our subconscious will always line up with His righteousness, will honor His will in Scripture, and will always exalt His glory. Nebuchadnezzar did not want conjecture or flattery. He despised his counselors because they were unable to reveal the meaning of his dream. Therefore, his anger erupted and he issued a decree of death for all the wise men of Babylon including Daniel and his friends (v. 12). Verse 13. Nebuchadnezzar issued a decree that the wise men were to be executed. This order included the young men who came to Babylon from Jerusalem—Daniel and his friends. Verse 14. When Arioch [EHR ih ahk], the commander of the king’s guard, approached, Daniel asked why the wise men had been condemned. Rather than demanding an answer or crying out in fear, Daniel responded with tact and discretion. These terms underscore the twin qualities of wisdom and diplomacy. Tact refers to “counsel” and discretion to “taste” or “judgment.” A similar word for discretion occurs in Proverbs 26:16, describing wise individuals who answer discreetly. Rather than publicly demanding an audience with the king, Daniel treated Arioch with the respect due his position and tactfully spoke to him. © 2015 LifeWay

We need to employ tact and discretion as we interact with other believers and with unbelievers. Kindness and respect go a long way in presenting an effective witness for Christ. Verse 15. Daniel asked why the king’s decree was so harsh. The Hebrew word translated harsh can also mean “hasty” or “urgent.” Daniel’s question to Arioch was not so much centered on the harshness of the king’s decision as much as the hastiness of it. Daniel wanted to ascertain the reason behind Nebuchadnezzar’s abrupt malice toward all his advisors. He knew some horrible act must have led to the command to execute all Nebuchadnezzar’s wise men immediately. Appreciating Daniel’s concern and tact, Arioch explained the situation. Perhaps Arioch spoke of Nebuchadnezzar’s frustration with his spiritual counselors. Perhaps he told Daniel that none of them could possibly interpret the dream. We wonder if Arioch saw a quality in Daniel that was missing in the attitude and actions of the pagan seers. Prayer affects the way we relate to others as well as the way others respond to us. A life lived in private communion with God projects a public influence others can notice. An individual who seeks the heart of God in daily prayer bears a holy witness that finds expression in catastrophic moments as easily as ordinary hours. Verse 16. Whatever the reason, Arioch decided to allow Daniel direct access to King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel understood the risk and the hazard. He realized that the king could explode in violence and tear him limb from limb. Obviously, Daniel knew that Nebuchadnezzar could not be duped by a scheme of delay. Daniel’s request for the king to give him some time was not a stall tactic to postpone an inevitable execution. Instead of a ploy, it was a petition for time to spend in prayer. Prayer opens the eyes of our hearts so we can see our circumstances through godly lenses. Daniel longed to see the king’s crisis clearly, but first he needed to listen to God in prayer carefully. Daniel believed that time spent in prayer would afford him the opportunity to give the king the interpretation. Prayer counts when the pressure mounts and the limitation of our own analysis must yield to God’s greater design. Daniel believed that God could enable him to give an accurate and truthful reply to Nebuchadnezzar. Apparently, Daniel’s promise to interpret the dream for the king led to the execution order being canceled and to more time. The wise men’s lives were in Daniel’s hands, but his confidence rested in God. © 2015 LifeWay

GUIDE: Invite volunteers to list some crises they face currently or that someone close to them is facing. Record responses.

DISCUSS: Question #2 (PSG, p. 96): What options do we have when facing a crisis? (ENHANCEMENT: Refer to the images on Pack Item 7: “Facing a Crisis” to help trigger ideas for discussion.) (Alternate: What does it look like to face your problems with tact and discretion as Daniel did?)

TRANSITION: “When faced with a problem, Daniel prayed, and he kept praying while he waited for God’s answer.”

103

THE POINT

Our prayers connect us with God’s plan.

STUDY THE BIBLE Daniel 2:17-21 10 minutes

Daniel 2:17-21 17 Then Daniel went to his house and told his friends

Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah about the matter, 18 urging them to ask the God of heaven for mercy

READ: Invite a volunteer to read Daniel 2:17-21.

concerning this mystery, so Daniel and his friends would not be killed with the rest of Babylon’s wise men. 19 The mystery was then revealed to Daniel in a vision at

GUIDE: Focus on verses 17-18. Note that Daniel urged

night, and Daniel praised the God of heaven

his friends to pray about the

20 and declared: “May the name of God be praised forever

matter with him.

and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. 21 He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings

DO: Write on a board or large sheet of paper the

and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”

first names of the members present today.

GUIDE: Read verses 17-18 through “ask the God of heaven for mercy,” changing the names to names of some group members. Direct the group to turn to the prayer request pages (PSG, pp. 6-9). Note the requests and the names recorded there.

SAY: “We are a group of friends who can rely on one another to pray when we face crises in our lives.”

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Pray persistently while awaiting God’s response. Verse 17-18. After Daniel expressed his request to the king he returned home to inform Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah about the situation. Frame the situation in your mind as four friends faced the peril of execution and pleaded for God’s guidance. Friends that are partners in prayer can spread a flame of holy intercession in each other’s heart. With every passing minute as the threat of execution increased, Daniel urged his friends to ask God for mercy concerning this mystery. Their prayer was addressed to the God of heaven because He alone could provide the answer. In stark contrast to the Babylonian deities of the sun, moon, and stars, Daniel petitioned the God who created the heavens and formed the sun, moon, and stars by His power. Only God’s wisdom could reveal the meaning of the mystery. The term mystery referred to the secret interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The puzzling and troubling dream was hidden from common knowledge and required divine revelation. How passionate and pointed was their prayer meeting? They voiced a specific request and grounded it deeply in God’s © 2015 LifeWay

provision. How lengthy was their prayer meeting? Is duration an essential aspect of effective prayer? We can’t be certain about how long Daniel and his friends prayed. Although duration can represent spiritual devotion, it can also reflect fleshly energy. Jesus warned His disciples not to imitate those who babbled lengthy prayers and those who made every effort to be seen and heard for their piety (Matt. 6:5-7). Verse 19. God answered Daniel’s prayer in a vision at night. Whether or not Daniel prayed and fell asleep or prayed and dozed irregularly is beside the point. Daniel and his friends didn’t create the answer to the king’s mystery; God revealed it. Consequently, Daniel erupted in a thanksgiving prayer in verses 20-23. He took no credit for God’s intervention, but offered glory to God by praising Him. Verses 20-21. Note the three aspects of Daniel’s thanksgiving prayer. First, Daniel extolled the name of God. God’s name is synonymous with His person and character. God’s name represents all of His divine attributes. This is a crucial factor regarding answered prayer. Whenever someone claims God has answered a prayer that contradicts His character we can be assured that the claim is erroneous. God does not contradict His faithfulness and holiness. He does not have a split personality. He does not deny His own righteousness by answering prayers that promote perversity. Daniel prayed that God’s name be exalted forever and ever because God is eternal and beyond time. A second aspect of Daniel’s prayer magnified God’s wisdom. God’s knowledge is His inerrant comprehension of every detailed bit of information that exists. His wisdom is the inerrant application and use of His perfect knowledge. Therefore, God inherently knows how to faithfully apply the right means to achieve the perfect conclusion. God’s wisdom in revealing to Daniel the mystery of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream proved the incomparable scope of God’s intelligence. Furthermore, God is pleased to give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. While at first pause this statement may seem unfair, it does not mean that God is capricious or unjust about His benevolence. The reason God rewards the wise with more wisdom is because they received and obeyed His wisdom to start with. Jesus made a similar point in His parable about the soils. He declared, “For whoever has, more will be given to him” (Matt. 13:12). When God grants the wisdom of His truth to illuminate our paths, He is delighted to give us more as we walk in His steps. Those, like Daniel and his friends, who want God’s truth and pray for God’s wisdom see themselves © 2015 LifeWay

DISCUSS: Question #3 (PSG, p. 97): What are the benefits of praying as a community?

SUMMARIZE: The men continued to pray until God responded. Note the example set by Daniel and his friends. 1. Pray correctly. Correct prayer comes with a pure and humble heart. Daniel and his friends came to God seeking mercy. They did not demand or claim their rights. 2. Pray persistently. Jesus taught us to “pray always and not become discouraged” (Luke 18:1). “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you” (11:9). 3. Pray expectantly. “Daniel went and asked the king to give him some time, so that he could give the king the interpretation” (Dan. 2:16). Daniel was confident God would give him the interpretation because—as he expressed in his praise (vv. 21-23)—he knew who was in charge and who “gives wisdom to the wise” (v. 21).

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THE POINT

Our prayers connect us with God’s plan.

DISCUSS: Question #4 (PSG, p. 98): When have you encountered the power of prayer? (Alternate: Who in your life is a positive model for fervent prayer?)

TRANSITION: “Fervency— an intensity and passion—is inherent in persistent,

as recipients of God’s mercy. Consequently, they praise God for the understanding He gives them in every dark and difficult situation. No one can evade the responsibility to use effectively the wisdom God provides so lavishly. A third part of Daniel’s prayer focused on God’s power. Daniel declared God holds the power to change the times and seasons. Consequently God is the One who removes kings and establishes kings. From a human perspective Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful man in the world. He tolerated no rivals and bowed to no other person. Whatever he commanded, his servants obeyed and his army accomplished. Daniel, however, stood upon a truth that was far greater than Nebuchadnezzar’s ego; namely that God’s rule and God’s might allowed Nebuchadnezzar to live and preside as a king. In an instant, God could remove him and establish another king.

expectant prayer. God will respond, and we should acknowledge Him as the source of the answer.”

Daniel 2:26-28a 26 The king said in reply to Daniel, whose name was

Belteshazzar, “Are you able to tell me the dream I had and its

STUDY THE BIBLE Daniel 2:26-28a 10 minutes SUMMARIZE: Use the Bible commentary 1 to set the stage for the focal passage.

interpretation?” 27 Daniel answered the king: “No wise man, medium, diviner-

priest, or astrologer is able to make known to the king the mystery he asked about. 28a But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and

He has let King Nebuchadnezzar know what will happen in the last days.”

READ: Invite a volunteer to

KEY WORDS: Medium (v. 27)—An individual who used spells and

read verses 26-28a.

incantations to connect to the spirit world. Diviner-priest (v. 27)—The root word means “engraver” or “writer” and refers to a person who recorded sacred writings. Astrologer (v. 27)—A person who attempted to determine the fate of others.

Acknowledge God as the source of the answer.

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© 2015 LifeWay

The effect of Daniel’s prayerful plea to God not only changed Daniel and his friends, it shaped Daniel’s empathy toward the other wise men of Babylon. Immediately Daniel went to Arioch and begged him not to begin the executions (v. 24). Interestingly, Daniel’s appeal to withhold the death sentence preceded the dramatic news about the interpretation of the dream. Do you suppose the Babylonian astrologers ever realized the God of a Hebrew servant had made their deliverance possible? Daniel boldly asked Arioch to take him to Nebuchadnezzar. Cleverly, Arioch told the king that he had found a Hebrew man that could solve the mystery (v. 25). Actually, Daniel found Arioch first, but he didn’t dwell on a minor issue as long as the major issue could be resolved. Daniel wasn’t concerned about who received the recognition as long as God received the glory. 1

SUMMARIZE: Daniel could have taken credit for knowing the dream and its interpretation, which is probably what the Babylonian wise men would have done. But Daniel’s character was different. He knew his abilities and wisdom were rooted in God. Daniel sought God in prayer, and he acknowledged that God had revealed the

Verse 26. A subordinate was not allowed to speak in the king’s presence, except at the king’s request. Daniel listened respectfully as Nebuchadnezzar asked him if he could interpret the dream. The words are you able are subtly tempting. Did Daniel feel the pressure of that question? Did the impulse of the moment entice him to embrace the opportunity to put himself in better standing before Nebuchadnezzar? Perhaps questions swirled through his head about shading the truth and blunting the impact of the interpretation, especially the part about the dissolution of the Babylonian empire.

answer he received. The glory

Verse 27. With humble recognition of his own insignificance, Daniel answered the king. He did not claim credit for his miraculous understanding of the king’s dream and its interpretation. Rather, Daniel declared that no wise man, medium, diviner-priest, or astrologer was able to make known to the king the mystery. Daniel’s statement was bold and dangerous. The explosive temperament of the king could have burst into a death order on the spot.

more fully incorporate prayer

belonged to God alone.

DISCUSS: Question #5 (PSG, p. 100): How can we glorify God in our prayer life? (Alternate: How can we into the life of our group?)

DO: Invite volunteers to share their responses to the activity, “God-Honoring Prayer” (PSG, p. 100).

Verse 28a. Daniel wanted the king to understand that the one true God was the one who gave the dream to the king and its interpretation to Daniel. Daniel stated boldly that there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He explained that God alone could clarify the confusion that baffled the king. God knows what will happen in the last days. The expression last days denotes a future time ordained by God. Nebuchadnezzar heard Daniel explain that human kingdoms would rise and fall (vv. 39-43). The symbolism is rich with Messianic prophecy of Jesus as the rock upon whom God establishes His kingdom rule (vv. 44-45). © 2015 LifeWay

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THE POINT

Our prayers connect us with God’s plan.

Daniel’s goal was not merely to interpret the dream and save his life and the lives of the other counselors. Rather, he wanted Nebuchadnezzar to know the one true God whom he served. Our primary concern always should focus on helping people know the Lord we worship and serve rather than meeting our personal needs.

SHARING THE GOOD NEWS God’s plan is to call sinners to repentance and to offer forgiveness of sin freely to all who will place their faith in His Son, Jesus. When we turn to God in prayer seeking His forgiveness, we take the first step in

Jeremiah called “an ancient

connecting with His plan

Each week, make yourself available either before or after the session to speak privately with anyone in your group who wants to know more about becoming a Christian. See the article, “Leading Someone to the Greatest Decision of All,“ on page 2 for

nation’ (Jer. 5:15, KJV). As king, ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/BOB SCHATZ/ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM, TORONTO

and purpose for our lives.

Nebuchadnezzar brought fame and prosperity to the Empire. Of all the foreign kings the Old Testament mentions, this Nebuchadnezzar is the most prominent and the one with which Bible students are most familiar. Nebuchadnezzar reigned 605-562 B.C.” Lion relief found in the throne room of the great palace at Babylon from Nebuchadnezzar’s reign.

Read “Wise Men from the East”

Remind group members that

The following excerpt is from

Daniel’s Time” (Fall 2007), and “Of

page 2 in the PSG offers

“Nebuchadnezzar: King of

Dreams and Visions” (Sum. 1986),

guidance in how to become a

Babylon” (Spr. 2005), which

relate to this session and can be

Christian. Encourage believers

relates to this session and can be

purchased at www.lifeway.com/

to consider using this article

purchased at www.lifeway.com/

biblicalillustrator. Look for Bundles:

as they have opportunities to

biblicalillustrator.

Bible Studies for Life.

“Nebuchadnezzar II, the Neo-

Subscribe to Biblical Illustrator at www.lifeway.com/biblicalillustrator, or call 1-800-458-2772.

guidance in leading a person to Christ.

lead others to Christ. Babylonian Empire’s second king, was the most famous king of the Chaldeans, a people whom

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© 2015 LifeWay

in the Fall 2015 issue. Previous articles, “Kings and Kingdoms in

LIVE IT OUT As we have looked at Daniel and his friends praying and seeking God in their time of need, what has God been saying to you about your prayer life? Consider which application fits best with where you are this week in your spiritual journey with the Lord.

>> Don’t give up. Identify at least one need in your life

or in someone who is close to you that you have been praying about for a long time. Perhaps you have become discouraged, and you don’t pray as regularly about the need as you used to. Commit today to bring this need before the Lord daily until you receive God’s answer no matter how long it takes.

LIVE IT OUT 5 minutes DO: Emphasize The Point: Our prayers connect us with God’s plan. GUIDE: Review Live It Out (PSG, p. 101; see text to the left). Emphasize the importance of doing an honest appraisal of our prayer lives.

>> Make more time for prayer. Identify a specific need

that you will pray about three times a day outside of your regular prayer routine. Set a time at morning, mid-day, and night to bring this specific need to God until you receive His answer.

>> Pray with others. Before your Bible study group meets

again, enlist at least three trusted Christian friends to meet with you once a week to pray fervently for a specific need of your church or community. Encourage one another to continue to pray fervently during the time between meetings. Add to your prayer list as needed as you continue to meet regularly.

Encourage members to choose the application that fits best with where they are in their walk with the Lord.

Wrap It Up GUIDE: Comment that it is never too late to begin a regular discipline of prayer. God is waiting to hear from us and wants to reveal His plans for us. PRAY: “Lord, thank you for calling us to a life of fervent prayer. Strengthen us by the power of your Spirit to always reach out to you when the difficulties of life come upon us. Amen.”

© 2015 LifeWay

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