In the third year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia, Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) had another vision. He understood that the vision concerned events certain to happen in the future—times of war and great hardship. When this vision came to me, I, Daniel, had been in mourning for three whole weeks. All that time I had eaten no rich food. No meat or wine crossed my lips, and I used no fragrant lotions until those three weeks had passed. On April 23, as I was standing on the bank of the great Tigris River, I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people. Only I, Daniel, saw this vision. The men with me saw nothing, but they were suddenly terrified and ran away to hide. So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision. My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. Then I heard the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground. Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.” [Daniel 10.1-14]
If ever there was a Bible reference that could be used to inspire and encourage prayer, this account is it!
Not to be overlooked is the partial fast that Daniel engaged in as well. He apparently did not fast all food, but just fancy food. I am guessing his diet was more like bread and water (just a guess).
We have no indication that Daniel set out to fast and pray for three weeks, but his time of fasting and prayer evidently extended that far until this vision occurred. All we know is that Daniel set out to pray ever how long it took until he knew he had answers to his prayers. His commitment was simply to pray. It would seem Daniel put everything else aside besides just the basic necessities of life. No parties, feasts, etc...
Then we have account of the angel speaking to him and telling Daniel that he was sent the very first day of Daniel's fasting and prayer - but that he was detained in what appears to have been battle with other forces. It was after twenty one days that the archangel Michael came to relieve this angel allowing him to come to Daniel.
This is all very 'supernatural' and 'other-worldly' to our understanding, but very much normal in the life and scope of fasting and prayer.
Daniel made a commitment to fasting and prayer - plain and simple. Had Daniel given up, let's say on day twenty, we may never have had this encouraging account of spiritual activity!
God help us to fast and pray!
Father, there is no doubt in my mind that our commitment to fasting and prayer falls so short of the commitment demonstrated by Daniel. In my own life, I have too many plans that would even allow me to begin and open-ended time of fasting and prayer! I know my priorities need adjustment!
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