In chapter 2 of the book of Daniel we read that King Nebuchadnezzar told his astrologers that they would be put to death because they could not tell him what his dream was and interpret it. They responded by telling the king that this was impossible.
But we know the rest of this story. It was not impossible. Daniel was able to do this and impress the king. He saved his own life and the lives of the other wise men. “Then Daniel went to Arioch, who the king had appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, ‘Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him.’ ” Daniel 2:24.
But Daniel never took the credit. He prayed twice:
The first prayer was for God to bring mercy and revelation to him.
“Daniel….explained the matter to his friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.” Daniel 2:17-18.
In a vision that night God revealed to Daniel the mystery of the king’s dream.
Then Daniel prayed the second prayer: “Praise be to the name of God forever and ever……” Daniel 2:20-23.
So often we may pray the first prayer for our need and then forget to pray the second time to thank God for His comfort, guidance, grace, and love.
I pray that we do as Daniel did in his moment of need and always pray twice.
Have a blessed day!
In Christian love,
Diane