When we think of the word predictable, it’s usually not a compliment. We say a movie was predictable when we saw the ending coming a mile away. We call a person predictable when they always do the same thing, with no surprises. But in Daniel 6, predictability becomes one of the greatest compliments ever given.
Daniel’s enemies wanted to destroy him, but they knew the only way to trap him was in his faith. Why? Because Daniel was predictable in his walk with God. They knew he prayed faithfully, so they crafted a law that made prayer illegal. And when the decree was signed, Daniel didn’t waver. He didn’t panic. He didn’t stop. He simply opened his windows, knelt down, and prayed as he always did.
Daniel’s life teaches us that predictability in prayer is not a weakness but a strength. It shows a faith that is steady, unshakable, and consistent no matter the circumstances. Let’s look at three lessons from Daniel’s example.
1. Predictability Brings Consistency
Daniel 6:10 says, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Daniel didn’t suddenly start praying because of trouble, and he didn’t stop praying when trouble came. He was consistent before the trial and through the trial. His prayer life wasn’t built on convenience, but on conviction.
For us, this means prayer should not be something we run to only when life falls apart. It should be a steady rhythm, a daily habit, something others could even “predict” about us. If someone followed you for a week, would they find you consistently in prayer?
2. Predictability Reveals Integrity
Daniel’s enemies said, “We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God” (Daniel 6:5).
What a testimony! The only flaw they could find in Daniel was that he was too faithful to God. They knew he wouldn’t compromise, even when threatened with the lions’ den. That’s integrity—being the same in private as in public, doing right when no one is watching, and standing firm when everyone else bows.
Our world today is quick to compromise. But predictable prayer builds predictable character. If we are faithful with God in secret, it will show in the integrity of our public lives.
3. Predictability Builds Dependability
Daniel’s faithfulness didn’t just protect him; it influenced others. After God delivered him from the lions, King Darius sent a decree across the empire declaring that everyone should fear Daniel’s God (Daniel 6:26–27).
Dependability in prayer makes you a person others can count on. People will know you are walking with God, and when trials come, they’ll look to you for encouragement and direction. Predictability in your prayer life doesn’t just help you—it strengthens everyone around you.
Conclusion
Being called “predictable” isn’t usually flattering—but in the life of a believer, it should be our goal. Like Daniel, may we be so consistent in prayer, so steadfast in integrity, and so dependable in faith that the world knows exactly where we stand.
If someone set out to trap you like Daniel’s enemies, would they know exactly where to find you—on your knees in prayer?
