The king sought to set Daniel over all his realm. The presidents and princes became jealous and tried to find fault in Daniel's work. That was unsuccessful, so they did the only thing they knew would affect Daniel. A decree went forth that stated that no one could ask anything of any god or man except the king. If they did, they would be thrown into the lion's den.

I wonder how we would react if a law was passed today that if we prayed we would be put in prison? Would we pray anyway and risk it? Or would we look at it as another excuse to skip praying?

In verse 10, it tells us what Daniel did. It says that when he knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house and prayed three times a day as he had always done. With the window open. He didn't hide in fear, because his trust was in his God and he knew He could handle any situation.

Daniel felt that prayer was so important that he was willing to risk his life for it. Just as prayer was important to Daniel, so it should be to us. If ever prayer was needed in our world, it is needed today. May we take an example from Daniel and pray every chance we get.