Morning Manna | Daniel 2:22 | Prayer of Revelation

Daniel 2:22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

These words come from Daniel’s prayer of thanksgiving, after God revealed both Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its interpretation. The prayers in Scripture are deep wells we should often draw from. When you encounter a prayer in the Bible, slow down and reflect on each line. There have been countless prayers prayed throughout history, yet only about 600-700 are recorded in Scripture. Clearly, God included these for a reason.

Often, we think of prayer as simply asking for something, and while that is part of it, this prayer was focused on giving thanks. We need to expand our understanding of prayer to include not just receiving, but giving—giving God thanks, giving Him glory, and giving Him our burdens. It is in this giving that He gives to us. When Jesus set the example in prayer, He first gave glory to God, then asked for daily bread. We know prayer blesses us, but it also blesses God! Imagine—us, small and needy, able to bless the One who blesses us. If you think we can’t bless God, consider how often Scripture speaks of men blessing His name. In this very prayer, Daniel says, “Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever.”

Today’s verse highlights one of the great blessings of prayer—revelation. It’s often the unknown that troubles us most. Men were going to die if God didn’t reveal Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and its meaning to Daniel, but thank God, He did! While our circumstances may not be as dire, we have all prayed for God to reveal the unknown to us. I recall when I didn’t know which city to move to in Uganda. After a year of searching and praying, He revealed the answer. Another time, as I was driving home from church, God revealed to me exactly what was happening in a difficult situation, and it turned out just as He had shown me. There have been times in the church when hidden bitterness was present, and through prayer, God revealed it, allowing me to address it by His grace. Then there have been just as many times that the darkness was in me, and by his light I could see it and repent.

God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. When He shines His light, nothing can remain hidden. Hiding from God is like trying to keep a room dark while the lights are on—it’s impossible. Not even shadows can exist in His presence. That’s why Scripture says, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie...” It’s impossible to walk in both darkness and light. Nebuchadnezzar tried to conceal his dream with ill intent, but through prayer, God brought the secret things to light.

Is there an area of uncertainty in your life? Is there a spiteful Nebuchadnezzar working in the shadows? Do you need an answer? Go to God, “He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.”