1. Daniel's faithful life (1-5)

King Darius recognized Daniel's exceptional abilities and promoted him to a high position in his government. He planned to give him another promotion. Some officials became jealous, so they tried to dig up some dirt on Daniel. Although they investigated him thoroughly, they could find no corruption or negligence in him.

2. Daniel's prayer life (6-10)

However, they discovered his 'weak' point--he put God first, and he was a man of prayer. So they flattered the king and persuaded him to issue an edict forbidding prayer. The penalty for disobedience was the lion's den. It was Daniel's custom to pray three times every day on his knees in front of a window opened toward Jerusalem. He thanked God for his mercy and prayed for his exiled people. Daniel read the king's edict, but he did not hesitate to go home and pray as usual. He feared God, not men.

Application: Lord, help me to be trustworthy in life and work, and faithful in prayer.
One Word: Make prayer a regular habit