by Cathy Vinson

The decree stated that for thirty days no prayer could be made except to King Darius. For Daniel who loved to pray to his God, this was bad news. His need to pray in this crisis was understandable. But it says he also gave thanks. Part of praying was giving thanks. What was he thankful for? I believe he was thanking God beforehand for answering his requests.

We tend to pray in crises as Daniel, that is, we ask. But do we give thanks as well? Could this reveal our lack of assurance of Him answering us? Giving thanks helps affirm we know we are believing God to answer us.

"Ask and you will receive...," "Call unto Me, and I will answer thee...," "in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving," "requests, intercessions, and thanksgiving..." "Whatever you ask in prayer, believe you have received it, and it will be yours."

The process of prayer includes believing we have received what we ask, and then giving thanks. It gives faith the chance to grasp that tangible change will take place based on our requests. Our faith is exercised; it is TAXED, and it grows stronger. More of us is released to God. We ask inspired by "any tenderness and compassion," and our faith then gives the thankful AMEN.

"In prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mk 11:24). We are believing we have received it, and in the process of prayer we are ACTUALLY receiving it. "Ask, and you will receive, and your joy shall be complete" (Jn 16:24). We emerge from prayer with joy because we are receivng our answers in the process of prayer. When Jesus said, "it will be yours," your possession of the answer has already begun.

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful AND THANKFUL" (Col 4:2). This involves wherever we find ourselves. Let us grasp the joy that comes through believing prayer is making a helpful DIFFERENCE. The creative expression that exercises faith will make us treasure prayer as a way of life...a fulfilling way of life.

"Daniel learned the decree had been published...he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to God."

(Dan 6:10)