“Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, and told them to seek mercy from God 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:
“‘You have given me wisdom and might,
and have now made known to me what we asked of you.'” Daniel 2:17-19,23
“‘If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’ Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, ‘Go, gather all the Jews.., and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.’ Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.” Esther 4:14-17
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:13b
The Lord God had placed certain people in strategic positions for particular and far-reaching work. He could do anything by His power alone, yet had them enlist others to beseech Him for favor, revelation, and ultimately His honor. The support of these special people encouraged Daniel and Esther to proceed with confidence in otherwise tenuous situations, and enabled many to praise God for His clear answers.
There is nothing quite like the sense of being upheld by another’s prayers, buoyed inexplicably yet palpably knowing another is undertaking for us when we have an assignment to fulfill. Our finite selves can handle one thing at a time, yet the infinite God combines all efforts into His glorious one for divine outcomes. Taking part in His kingdom work through obedience and prayer is expected and thrilling. (Psalm 102:16-17; Matthew 6:10; Ephesians 3:14-19; Colossians 1:9-11)
When we’re asked to do something challenging or risky, do we try to go it alone, smugly thinking our smarts and strength are enough? Do pride or false humility keep us from procuring others to pray on our behalf? Or do we recognize that the Lord works in and through those who pray, and has lessons for, and ways of being glorified through, the many? (Ephesians 6:18-20)
How willing and eager are we to undergird others in pivotal positions or dangerous situations? Do we resort to judging motives or methods, or humbly seek God’s will and mercy upon their efforts? Do our own ‘important’ issues crowd out taking up for others in the Body? (Hebrews 10:24-25; James 5:13-16)
Those reluctant to seek prayer support or get involved in praying for others deprive themselves of God’s rich blessing. What busyness or apathy is preventing humble dependence and specific intercession? How will we better engage and undergird those around us in prayer that releases God’s marvelous flow of grace and power?
Lord, may I pray as You welcome and direct to buttress Your children and exalt Your glory.
As the rain and snow 