The Scaffold of Prayer

“Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said:

“‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
    to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
    he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to those who have understanding;
he reveals deep and hidden things;
    he knows what is in the darkness,
    and the light dwells with him.
 To you, O God of my fathers,
    I give thanks and praise,
for you have given me wisdom and might,
    and have now made known to me what we asked of you,
    for you have made known to us the king’s matter.’” Daniel 2:17-23

The time was short for Daniel and his friends. A capricious, unreasonable, hot-headed king Nebuchadnezzar had ordered the death of all his best advisers because they could not uncover and interpret his troubling dreams. What did this mature man of God do? He enlisted the prayer support of his comrades. He knew that the prayer of a righteous man avails much, and that God alone, who had been faithful to them thus far, was able to reveal mysteries. (Daniel 2:28,45; James 5:16b)

As his friends exercised their faith muscles in prayer, the Lord directed Daniel what to tell the vitriolic king. He would relay the truth about what was to come. Just as with Esther, who enlisted her uncle and all the Jews to pray for her pressured situation, the Lord delighted to translate these requests of the saints to His favor, unveiling, and clear guidance of His people in response. (Esther 4:15-17)

Do we make it a regular practice not only to pray, but to enjoin others in beseeching the Almighty? By opening up about specific needs, and taking time to kneel together, we give many the privilege of support, mutual encouragement, and growing faith. It awakens expectancy for those praying and waiting on tiptoe, and hope and confidence in those observing. It swells the gratitude that ultimately goes to God, and magnifies Him when He’s praised for His answers.

And for whom am I a regular prayer support? We aren’t meant to live the Christian life alone, but to support one another in love, confidence, and prayer. For whom could I offer this scaffolding as they struggle in making their way, crumble in defeat, or face a difficult circumstance? Would I ask the Lord to show me those He would have me undergird? (Matthew 26:41; Romans 14:7)

As we support one another within the body, we are building up the temple of God. What part will we play today in either offering, or procuring, prayer support? And would we faithfully, with one voice, praise the Lord for His gracious answers? (Psalm 34:3; 1 Peter 2:4-5)

Lord, help me be, and enlist, a scaffold of prayer, that Your church be built and Your great name glorified.