DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
AUGUST 26, 2026
READ: Daniel 6 (Focus vs. 3-7, 9-11)
MEMORY VERSE
“Three times a day [Daniel] got down on his knees, and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Daniel 6:10
BACKGROUND
Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington encouraged a group of young actors to begin each day with prayer, suggesting they “put your shoes way under the bed at night” to ensure they “gotta get on your knees in the morning.”
Developing a regular habit of prayer might take some thoughtful and even creative planning, but it’s a practice that has sustained God’s people throughout history—especially in difficult times. We see this in the life of Daniel, who served in King Darius’ administration.
He quickly distinguished himself as the top government advisor, which angered local officials (Daniel 6:3). Out of jealousy they plotted to oust the prophet, but quickly realized the only charge that would stick was related to Daniel’s devotion to the “the law of his God” (v. 5).
Even after the officials tricked the king into making it illegal for Daniel to pray, Daniel still “got down on his knees, and prayed . . . just as he had done before” (v. 10).
A consistent prayer life was essential for Daniel to experience God’s sustaining strength and peace (Psalm 29:11). It helped him to triumph over the forces seeking to destroy him.
In the same way, establishing a regular time to meet with God in prayer and making it a daily priority can help cultivate our relationship with Him. During each difficulty we face, it’s His strength that will sustain us.
Lisa M. Samra
INSIGHT
Luke’s gospel includes snapshots of Jesus’ prayer life. As the news of His ministry spread, He “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (5:16).
Prior to the selection of the twelve apostles, He “went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God” (6:12). And as was the case with Daniel, prayer was a prelude to a severe trial (Daniel 6:6-10).
Before Christ faced the cross, He agonized in prayer in Gethsemane (see Luke 22:39-46). Being faithful in prayer cultivates our relationship with God, strengthens our soul, and helps us to be at peace during trials.
Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
How has a regular pattern of prayer sustained you in difficulty? What example of prayer in the Bible encourages you?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s
Post)
“A consistent prayer life is essential for (us) to experience God’s sustaining strength and peace… to triumph over the forces seeking to destroy us.”
PR’s TAKE
“Constant prayer is the grand secret, the sure foundation of a happy life.”
Charles Spurgeon
“The power of prayer rests not in the one praying, but in the one hearing”
Marc Brule
PRAYER
“Loving Father, please give me Your strength and mercy each morning.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING
Once I was burdened with many a care;
Problems too hard for my weak soul to bear;
Then in God’s Word came a message so clear;
Pray about ev’rything.
Ask of your Father, He loveth to please;
Unlock His treasure, He gives us the keys;
Claiming this promise, I dropped to my knees:
Pray about ev’rything.
Riches in Jesus, abundant and free,
Needs in our work or whatever it be;
Ours for the asking! This only, His plea:
Pray about ev’rything.
Prayer is a wonderful treasure;
Prayer is a wonderful thing.
Blessing all ours without measure;
So pray about ev’rything.
