“Daniel was a man of prayer, daily prayed he three times, even when they cast him down to the den of lions.” These are the words to a song we teach our children, yet they are words that most adult Christians need to hear today.

There are many great things that can be learned from the example of Daniel. In his example can be found lessons for both young and old alike. Of all of his great qualities, Daniel’s prayer life is worthy of special attention.

Having just received the decree of King Darius that if any pray to any other but him for a period of thirty days that they should be cast into the den of lions. The text says, “Now when Daniel knew the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days” (Daniel 6:10). Some may see Daniel’s actions as nothing special, some may see them as foolish in light of the circumstances. Consider not so much these particular actions, but his custom from youth—the dedication to pray three times each day. This simple action demonstrates the essence of what it means to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to “continue earnestly in prayer” (Colossians 4:2). King David wrote, “As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice” (Psalm 55:16-17).

If we could only grasp the power of this simple act to transform not only our lives, but the lives of those whom we lift up before God in prayer, oh what greater servants we could be!