Today is the first day of the Persian (and Kurdish and Iraqi, and Afghani etc) new year, “nowruz”. My mind goes back to the first year of the reign of the Mede, King Darius, the Persian name “Dariush”, meaning "He who holds firm to good." At this time, Daniel, through his study of Jeremiah’s prophecies, knew that it was time for the end of Jerusalem’s captivity.
This prompted Daniel to fast and pray intensely (Dan. 9:2-30) for the forgiveness of Israel’s sins so that Israel could be freed. Such a prayer of intercession led to an angel being despatched but it took 21 days to answer Daniel’s prayer because the ruling spirit over the Medes and Persians waylaid the angel.
We stand as intercessors. All we need is a heart to listen and hear what God is saying to us and a compassionate heart to set people free. The early Christians prayed for the physical release of Peter who was held securely by four squads of soldiers and was destined for imminent execution. Miraculously, an angel appeared and led the incredulous Peter to freedom.
So we are at the start of a new year and we learn from Daniel that an effective, fervent prayer avails much against the evil realms arraigned against us. Let this year herald in a lifestyle of prayer: the way we were created to live. We have been given God’s own armour which is activated by prayer, decree and intercession. The Holy Spirit within us is interceding for the will of God in our lives and Jesus lives forever to intercede for us to the Father. Let us “hold firm to the good”.
“Now my beloved ones, I have saved these most important truths for last: Be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus. Stand victorious with the force of his explosive power flowing in and through you.
“Put on God’s complete set of armour provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser! Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage. Because of this, you must wear all the armour that God provides so you’re protected as you confront the slanderer, for you are destined for all things and will rise victorious.
Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times. Pray the blessings of God upon all his believers” (Eph. 6:10-13,18 TPT).
(With grateful thanks to Malcolm Cotton whose thoughts inspired this blog)
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