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SESSION 2

PRAY FERVENTLY

The Point Our prayers connect us with God’s plan.

The Passage Daniel 2:13-21,26-28a

The Bible Meets Life How do you manage your to-do list? All of us make priorities based on the urgency and importance of the tasks in front of us. For example:

>> Getting to the church on time for your wedding is both urgent and important. >> Some things, like your annual physical, are important but not necessarily urgent. >> Other things, like answering a ringing phone, call for urgent attention but may not necessarily be important.

>> Those internet videos of kittens? Sorry, but they’re neither urgent nor important. I wonder where prayer would rank on such a list. It should be an urgent priority, yet it often falls to a last resort. In Daniel 2, we’ll see that effective, fervent prayer connects us with the One who can provide for every need and can solve every problem.

The Setting Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar had a disturbing dream. He called for the diviners, mediums, and sorcerers 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. © 2015 LifeWay

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What does the Bible say?

Daniel 2:13-21,26-28a Wise men (v. 13)—A general term referring to the king’s counselors. Medium (v. 27)—An individual who used spells and incantations to connect with 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.

13 The decree was issued that the wise men were to be executed, and they searched for Daniel and his friends, to execute them. 14 Then Daniel responded

with tact and discretion to Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, who had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon. 15 He asked Arioch, the king’s officer, “Why is the decree from the king so harsh? ” Then Arioch explained the situation to Daniel. 16 So Daniel went and asked the king to give him some time, so that he could give the king the interpretation. 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 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 night, and Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and declared: “May the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. 21 He changes the times and

seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” 26 The king said in reply to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to tell me the dream I had and its 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.”

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© 2015 LifeWay

THE POINT

Our prayers connect us with God’s plan.

GET INTO THE STUDY

10 minutes

DISCUSS: Question #1 on page 75 of the

Notes

PSG: “When the going gets tough, how quickly do you call for help?” GUIDE: Direct group members to “The Bible Meets Life” on page 76 of the PSG. Introduce the theme of prioritizing prayer by reading or summarizing the text—or by encouraging group members to read on their own. GUIDE: Call attention to “The Point” at the top of page 76 of the PSG: “Our prayers connect us with God’s plan.” ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): Bible studies that are focused on prayer can sometimes feel repetitive for group members—especially those who have participated in groups for a number of years. For that reason, consider starting this group meeting with something out of the ordinary. Before moving forward into the discussion, take some time to pray for the spiritual health of your group. Don’t pray as individuals, however. Instruct your group members to pray for one another at the same time—and to voice their prayers out loud. This method is known as “concert prayer” and is a great way to connect with God as a community rather than as individuals. ENHANCEMENT: Display Pack Item 7, “Get in the Game,” to reinforce the primary theme of this resource. PRAY: Whether or not you use the concert prayer described above, transition into the Scripture discussion by lifting up the spiritual lives of you and your group members. Ask the Holy Spirit to bless you with a fresh awareness of His presence each day.

© 2015 LifeWay

TIP: This is a great time to remind group members about using the Prayer Request forms at the front of their Personal Study Guide. Remind them to also record God’s answers to your group’s requests as time goes by.

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5 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Daniel 2:13-16

Notes 13

The decree was issued that the wise men were to be executed, and

they searched for Daniel and his friends, to execute them. 14 Then Daniel responded with tact and discretion to Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, who had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon. 15 He asked Arioch, the king’s officer, “Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” Then Arioch explained the situation to Daniel. 16 So Daniel went and asked the king to give him some time, so that he could give the king the interpretation. READ: Daniel 2:13-16 on page 77 of the PSG. Read the text out loud or ask a volunteer to do so. GUIDE: Use the first two paragraphs on page 99 of this Leader Guide to set the context for these verses and provide some background information on the king’s probable motivations. DISCUSS: Question #2 on page 78 of the PSG: “What options do we have ALTERNATE QUESTION: What are some options for seeking godly counsel?

when facing a crisis?” Note: Make sure group members understand that your discussion here can extend beyond spiritual crises. What are the possible ways for people to react to any kind of crisis or threat? RECAP: Use the final paragraph on page 78 of the PSG to introduce the importance of prayer: Daniel didn’t know the king’s dream, but he did know who was the Source of the dream. All he needed was time to pray. That’s an important lesson: when you’re looking for spiritual answers, you don’t go to politicians, educators, or scientists. You go to God. TRANSITION: Verses 13-16 introduced a crisis for Daniel and his friends. As we move to verses 17-21, we’ll see that their response to that crisis included both supplication and praise.

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© 2015 LifeWay

THE POINT

Our prayers connect us with God’s plan.

Daniel 2:13-16 Commentary Early in his reign King Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled him. His disturbing dreams haunted him with a vague suspicion that he and his kingdom were threatened by something beyond his control—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. In all probability, Nebuchadnezzar had little confidence in his alleged wise men and 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 whether they truly had supernatural insight. [Verses 13-14] 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. When Arioch, 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.” [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. Appreciating Daniel’s concern and tact, Arioch explained the situation. [Verse 16] Arioch decided to allow Daniel direct access to King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel understood the risk and the hazard. 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 carefully to God in prayer. 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

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15 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Daniel 2:17-21

Notes 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 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 night, and Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and declared: “May the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. 21 He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” READ: Daniel 2:17-21 on page 77 of the PSG. SUMMARIZE: Help group members walk through what it means to pray correctly by highlighting these points from page 79 of the PSG:

>> “We can follow the example set by Daniel and his friends. To start, we must pray correctly.”

>> “A second way to follow Daniel’s example is to pray persistently.” >> “Third, we must pray expectantly.” DISCUSS: Question #3 on page 79 of the PSG: “When have you encountered ALTERNATE QUESTION: Who in your life is a positive model for fervent prayer?

the power of prayer?” Note: Assure group members that you’re not asking, “When did you have a miraculous answer to prayer like Daniel?” Instead, you want them to think through their personal experiences and share moments when they came to a better understanding of the power of prayer. DISCUSS: Question #4 on page 79 of the PSG: “What are the benefits of  praying as a community?” TRANSITION: As we conclude with verses 26-28a, we’ll see Daniel boldly proclaim the value of connecting with God through prayer.

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© 2015 LifeWay

THE POINT

Our prayers connect us with God’s plan.

Daniel 2:17-21 Commentary [Verse 17-18] After Daniel expressed his request to the king he returned home to inform Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah about the situation. As the threat of execution loomed, 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 they needed. 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. [Verse 19] God answered Daniel’s prayer in a vision at night. 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. 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. 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. A third part of Daniel’s prayer focused on God’s power. Daniel declared that God holds the power to change the times and seasons and alter the events of our times. 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. 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. © 2015 LifeWay

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10 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Daniel 2:26-28a

Notes 26

The king said in reply to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you

able to tell me the dream I had and its 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.” DO: Direct group members to complete the activity “Categories of Prayer” on  page 81 of the PSG. Record at least one person or circumstance you can pray for in each of the following categories: Those who need salvation: Those experiencing persecution: Needs in your congregation: Needs in your community: READ: Daniel 2:26-28a on page 77 of the PSG. RECAP: Highlight the second paragraph on page 80 of the PSG: Daniel could have taken credit for successfully revealing the dream and its interpretation, but he knew better. He understood that everything— including his own abilities and wisdom—is rooted in God. The glory belonged to God alone. DISCUSS: Question #5 on page 80 of the PSG: “How do we approach the ALTERNATE QUESTION: How can we more fully incorporate prayer into the life of our group?

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experience of prayer in a way that glorifies God?” GUIDE: Refer back to “The Point” of this session: “Our prayers connect us with God’s plan.” As time permits, encourage volunteers to share any final thoughts or questions.

© 2015 LifeWay

THE POINT

Our prayers connect us with God’s plan.

Daniel 2:26-28a Commentary 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. The Creator of the stars used Daniel as His star witness for the liberation of the horoscopic counselors. Daniel boldly asked Arioch to take him to Nebuchadnezzar. [Verse 26] In the presence of the king, a subordinate was not allowed to speak except at the king’s request. Daniel listened respectfully as Nebuchadnezzar asked him if he could interpret the dream. The words are you able were subtly tempting. They offered Daniel an opportunity to put himself in better standing before Nebuchadnezzar by taking credit for the miraculous vision he had received from God. [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. [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. Later in chapter 2, Nebuchadnezzar heard Daniel explain that human kingdoms would rise and fall in the foreseeable future (see vv. 39-43). The symbolism is rich with Messianic prophecy of Jesus as the rock upon whom God establishes His kingdom rule (see vv. 44-45). Daniel’s goal was not merely to interpret the dream and save his life—including 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.

© 2015 LifeWay

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5 minutes

LIVE IT OUT GUIDE: Direct group members to page 82 of the PSG. Encourage them to consider the

Notes

following suggestions for jumping deeper into the practice of prayer:

>> Talk with God every day. If you are

not a pray-er, start now. Prayer isn’t just what we do in a crisis; prayer is spending consistent time with God in personal conversation. Set aside 15 minutes every day for uninterrupted conversation with God. Share what’s on your heart and listen for His response.

>> Maintain a prayer journal. Keep track of your prayer requests each day. Just as importantly, record how God answers your prayers.

>> Pray with others. Start or join a group specifically for the purpose of prayer. Gather for an hour or so once a week to pray for your families, your pastor,

your church, missionaries, civic leaders, and special needs in your community.

Wrap It Up TRANSITION: Read or restate the conclusion from page 82 of the PSG: In all its different facets, prayer isn’t about seeking what we want; it’s about seeking God’s plan and seeing that He is honored and glorified through our lives. As God Himself promised us: “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and incomprehensible things you do not know” (Jer. 33:3). PRAY: Conclude the discussion by thanking God for the privilege of prayer. Express your desire to regularly and fervently connect with God through the discipline of prayer.

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