Spiritual Discipline I

Read: Daniel 6:4 - 24

Rules — Rules are a way of life. Every game you can imagine is played by rules. Society is governed by rules in order to avoid mass confusion - When you drive your car you drive by rules. Obeying such rules will provide for safe driving. Our health is dependant upon following proper rules for sleep, diet and exercise. Obeying these rules will allow good health.

God has given us rules by which His children ought to live. We call them spiritual disciplines. Following these disciplines are stepping-stones to spiritual strength. Evidence of spirituality is seen in how great our conformity to the to the image of Christ. Romans 8:28 expresses God's desire for us in that He wants us  “to be conformed to the image of His Son What are the rules God has laid down for us?

Daniel demonstrates our first rule for daily living. (Daniel 6: 10) “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his own house and his windows being opened in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before God as he did afore time.”

Spiritual Discipline #1- BE FAITHFUL IN DAILY PRAYER

We need to begin every day with God. Not only is it important to begin the day with God in prayer, we are
to “pray without ceasing”. Daniel was faithful in his prayer life — note the words:  “...as he did afore time.” To be like Jesus, we must be in constant fellowship with Him. To be like Jesus, we must be faithful in our prayer lives, we must get to know Him.

Now is a good time to make a covenant with God. Declare that each day will be started with Him in prayer.