Summary

This sermon explores the story of Daniel in the lion's den to illustrate how prayer should be a consistent, predictable pattern in our lives rather than just a last resort during crises. The pastor emphasizes that Daniel's enemies could only find fault with his devotion to God, specifically his three-times-daily prayer routine. Just as we have regular eating patterns, we should establish regular prayer rhythms. The message challenges listeners to make prayer as predictable and essential as meals, noting that Daniel continued his prayer practice even when it became illegal and led to the lion's den. The sermon concludes that prayer is a supernatural pattern that keeps us from being spiritually devoured by life's challenges.

Intro Prayer

Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us through this time of discussion. Help us to be honest with ourselves and with each other about our prayer lives. Remove any distractions or preconceived notions that might prevent us from hearing Your voice. We pray that You would use this time to draw us closer to You and to help us develop the kind of consistent, faithful prayer life that honors You. Guide our conversation and help us to encourage one another in our spiritual growth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one daily routine or habit in your life that you never miss, no matter how busy your day gets?

Key Verses

1. Daniel 6:10
2. Daniel 6:5
3. Psalm 55:17
4. Colossians 4:2
5. Matthew 4:4

Questions

1. The pastor mentioned that Daniel's enemies could only find fault with his relationship with God. If people were looking for faults in your life, what would they find beyond your faith?
2. Daniel prayed three times a day in a predictable pattern. What does your current prayer routine look like, and how predictable is it?
3. The sermon asks: 'If prayer became a federal crime tomorrow, would you be in any danger?' How would you honestly answer this question?
4. What are some 'lions' in your life (challenges, fears, or struggles) that you need to bring to God in prayer more consistently?
5. The pastor talked about how we feed our bodies regularly but often neglect feeding our souls. What parallels do you see between physical hunger and spiritual hunger in your own life?
6. Daniel continued praying even when it became illegal. What obstacles or excuses currently prevent you from maintaining a consistent prayer life?
7. How might your relationships, work, or daily challenges change if you approached them with the same prayer consistency that Daniel demonstrated?
8. The message emphasized bringing both big and small concerns to God. What 'small' things do you hesitate to pray about because you think they're not important enough for God?

Life Application

This week, establish a specific time and place for daily prayer, following Daniel's example. Choose three times during your day (morning, midday, evening) and commit to spending at least 5 minutes in prayer at each time. Don't let circumstances, busyness, or fear of what others think prevent you from keeping this commitment. If you miss a session, don't give up entirely - simply return to the pattern the next day.

Key Takeaways

1. Prayer should be a predictable, consistent pattern in our lives, not just a crisis response
2. Daniel's faithfulness in prayer was so consistent that his enemies used it to set a trap against him
3. We need to establish specific times and places for prayer, just as we do for meals
4. Prayer is a supernatural pattern that keeps us from being spiritually devoured by life's challenges
5. God wants us to bring everything to Him - both big and small concerns - because He desires relationship with us

Ending Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Daniel and his unwavering commitment to prayer. Help us to develop that same consistency and faithfulness in our own prayer lives. Give us the courage to pray publicly and privately, regardless of what others might think. Help us to see prayer not as a burden or obligation, but as a precious opportunity to spend time with You. Strengthen our resolve to establish regular prayer times and to stick with them even when life gets busy or difficult. May our prayer lives become so predictable that others notice our devotion to You. Use us as lights in this world, and help us to trust You completely with every outcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.