Daniel: Visible Habits
Scripture Reading — Daniel 6
Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Daniel’s habits of prayer were known to the people around him. He practiced his rituals of faith openly before his community. There was no question of where Daniel’s allegiance centered. The king himself commented about the God whom Daniel continually served (Daniel 6:16).
Rituals can get a bad name as empty routines that have no meaning—or worse as showy demonstrations of spirituality. But they can also be helpful disciplines—powerful practices to reorient our hearts to God in the midst of life’s chaos. Regular routines are helpful for keeping us centered on God. Neglecting prayer and the study of God’s Word results in spiritual depletion. Rather, we need a break from busyness, and quiet time with God helps us reconnect with him as the source of our strength and encouragement.
As mentors, we can share how God is still working on us. We can demonstrate the value of time in prayer and in God’s Word that shapes us into the people God has called us to be. We need to be regularly connected to the vine if we are going to see fruit develop in our lives (John 15).
What spiritual habits are you engaging in to keep your life focused on God? How have you been blessed by routines of nurturing faith?
Lord, help us to establish regular habits of prayer, worship, and engaging with your Word. May our habits of faith draw others to know you more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Steven and Deb Koster
Steven and Deb Koster have a passion for marriages, families, and spiritual growth in the home. Both are ordained ministers in the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Steven formerly served as editor of Today and director of ReFrame's English-language outreach. Deb leads Family Fire, ReFrame’s family ministry at FamilyFire.com and on Facebook. The Kosters have three children.
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