The Powerful Prayers of Daniel
There is a war going on in our world today between light and darkness that impacts the destiny of nations, just as there was in the days of Daniel. Daniel, who had been carried captive from Jerusalem to Babylon, turned to the Lord and repented for the sins of his nation, asked for forgiveness on their behalf, and prayed God's Word and His will concerning them would be fulfilled.
Daniel was told in a vision that his prayer had been heard from the moment it was uttered, but the prince of Persia (a demonic being such as those mentioned in Ephesians 6:12) had been resisting Gabriel for 21 days, preventing Daniel from receiving the answer. This story is found in Daniel, Chapter 10. Daniel was told that Michael the archangel had joined Gabriel in battling this demonic power.
The key lesson for us is found in the persistence of Daniel. His prayers were powerful because he did not give up when the answer was delayed. What was the result of Daniel's steadfastness in prayer? Deliverance! Daniel realized that his most important assignment from God was prayer. The message Daniel received from the angel confirmed to him that he had a vital role to play in the battle in the heavenlies between demons and angels, between good and evil.
If Daniel could pray and mighty angels be sent to do battle against demonic spirits, so can we. It is quite possible that the "prince of Persia" Daniel fought through prayer is the same evil spirit behind the rulers of Iran today. But whether it is the same demon or not, the clarion call goes out to you and me today just as it did to Daniel—man the battle stations and fight this urgent spiritual battle through prayer.
Darkness flees when we pray! Demons tremble when we pray. Heaven moves and angels receive assignments when we pray. Prayer affects both heaven and earth, the seen and the unseen. Without our prayers, demonic forces rule and operate uncontested. We must choose the same course Daniel did and faithfully and fervently pray without ceasing, not allowing ourselves to be discouraged or turned aside, until the victory is won.