Sunday School Lesson September 10, 2023
Subject: Pray with Passion
The Point: Our prayers really do make difference.
Scriptures: Daniel 2:13-23,27-28a
Study The Bible: Daniel 2:13-16
1). Seek God.
- The decree was issued that the wise men were to be executed, and they searched for Daniel and his friends, to execute them.
- Then Daniel responded with tact and discretion to Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, who had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon.
- He asked Arioch, the king’s officer, “Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” Then Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.
- So Daniel went and asked the king to give him some time, so that he could give the king the interpretation.
Lasting truths from: Daniel 2:13-16
* Sometimes we become victims of the evil decisions of others.
* In times of difficulty look for a godly solution rather than evil vengeance.
* Faith in God in times of trouble gives us hope over despair.
2). Pray expectantly.
Daniel 2:17-19
- Then Daniel went to his house and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah about the matter,
- urging them to ask the God of the heavens for mercy concerning this mystery, so Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of Babylon’s wise men.
- The mystery was then revealed to Daniel in a vision at night, and Daniel praised the God of the heavens.
Lasting truths from: Daniel 2:17-19
* We find strength when we invite others to join us in praying to God about our concerns.
* In a way we may not be able to explain, God honors the prayers of His people who gather together to express their desires to Him.
* Divine wisdom or truth is under the purview of the Lord; it is not something we acquire on our own.
* God hears our prayers and provides what we need to serve Him, bring Him glory, and accomplish the purpose He has for us.
3). Acknowledge God’s Work
Daniel 2:20-23,27-28a
- and declared: May the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to him.
- He changes the times and seasons; he removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.
- He reveals the deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with him.
- I offer thanks and praise to you, God of my ancestors, because you have given me wisdom and power. And now you have let me know what we asked of you, for you have let us know the king’s mystery.
- Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, medium, magician, or diviner is able to make known to the king the mystery he asked about.
28a. But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has let King Nebuchadnezzar know what will happen in the last days.
Lasting truths from: Daniel 2:20-23,27-28a
* God is to be praised for making His truth known to us.
* God is a sovereign God with ultimate power and authority over all things, events, and other authorities.
* God’s plan extends beyond the temporary kingdoms of this world to the eternal kingdom that shall come as the end of time.
* We may be encouraged in knowing there is a God in heaven who can do all things.
* Dialog with unbelievers can become opportunities to bear witness to the Lord God.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- What is your testimony of seeking God to help you find meaning, direction, and relief in the midst of a difficulty you were facing?
- What part did prayer play in that experience, both a prayer of request and prayer of praise?
- For you, is there a special group with whom you can gather to pray about critical issues?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”