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Title: The Will to Prepare
Date: Sep 29, 2008
Topic(s): Prayer
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:10, Psalm 10:17, Daniel 9:1-19

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In 1976, Indiana University's basketball team was undefeated throughout the regular season and captured the NCAA National Championship. The controversial and colorful coach, Bobby Knight, led them to that championship. Shortly afterwards, Coach Knight was interviewed on the television show 60 Minutes. The commentator asked him, "Why is it, Bobby, that your basketball teams at Indiana are always so successful? Is it the will to succeed?"

"The will to succeed is important," replied Bobby Knight, "but I'll tell you what's more important--it's the will to prepare."

The same is true for prayer. It's important to pray, but it's equally important to prepare for prayer. Let's see what the Bible says.

What Does God Say?

Read Daniel 9:1-19 and answer the following questions:

• What is the occasion for Daniel's prayer (vv. 1-2)?
• What does Daniel do in v. 3 to get ready for prayer?
• What is the first thing that Daniel does as he begins to pray (v. 4)?
• Before making his request, Daniel spends the majority of his time doing what (vv. 4-15)?

• It is also obvious that Daniel had prepared himself for prayer by getting to know God's nature. What does he know about God that causes him to bring this request before the Lord (v. 18)?

My Thoughts

Sackcloth was often made out of camel or goats hair which made it rough and uncomfortable to wear. It was worn as a sign of mourning and repentance. Ashes also were sometimes tossed into the air and allowed to settle on the person's head and clothing as another sign of mourning and humility. The whole picture of sackcloth and ashes was one of total personal devastation. It reflected an attitude of sorrow and humility.

While these actions were not taken every time Daniel prayed, the attitudes they represent were. Coming before the Lord with true sorrow for sin (2 Corinthians 7:10) and a humble spirit (Psalm 10:17) is good preparation for any prayer.

My Part

If you have a major prayer concern in your life, try Daniel's approach. Prepare yourself with a fast (perhaps skipping breakfast and lunch while drinking only water to keep hydrated). Break your fast with a small evening meal. *Most importantly, prepare your heart. Ask God to give you a true sorrow for your sin and seek to humble yourself before Him. While sackcloth and ashes probably would not be appropriate in our culture, perhaps you can think of another way to show an attitude of humility and repentance (some have chosen to not wear makeup or have tied a black band around their arms).

Keep in mind that these are not ways to manipulate God to answer your prayers. These are reminders of how dependent you are upon God's mercy and goodness.

*To find out more about fasting, read God's Chosen Fast by A. Wallis or a similar book.

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