When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.
Daniel 6:10
Because today is Thanksgiving, I want to focus on the aspect of thankfulness that we see in Daniel’s prayer. We know that his circumstances are bad. He knows that his life is at risk at this very moment.
But Daniel has formed a pattern in his life that his circumstances will not interrupt. Based on his deep devotion to God, he continues his pattern of prayer, which is infused with thanksgiving.
We expect him to pray for deliverance, strength, courage, etc. But for what would he give thanks? The same things he gave thanks for every other day. That the God who sits on His throne in heaven is his God, who has made promises, which He is certain to keep.
Perhaps what Darius declared in Dan 6:26-27 was on Daniel’s mind too. It is the sort of truth that prompts thanksgiving even when all other hope seems lost.
Give thanks with a grateful heart!
