When Daniel knew that

the document had been signed,

he went to his house

where he had windows

   in his upper chamber

open toward Jerusalem.

He got down on his knees

three times a day and prayed

and gave thanks

          before his God,

as he had done previously.

              Daniel 6. 10

(For Daniel, it was not crisis,

but business as usual,

his first response to pray,

his source of strength

           not hidden.

But just another opportunity

to be faithful to God

       in plain sight.

Not "look at me,"

       but look to God.

Daniel's daily practices

formed his character,

empowered his actions

           and attitudes,

and deeply entrenched

               his faith,

so that he saw,

approached,

and responded differently

        to any circumstance.

This was not his first difficulty,

         nor his last.)

O LORD,

No matter what is before us

      in this day or season,

may we be faithful to You.

Grant us Your strength

    that we may follow You

and testify to You

         before others,

no matter the circumstances,

May faithfulness be seen

   in all that we do and say,

how we come before You,

how we live before others,

both in times of favor

               or turmoil.

Be glorified, O LORD,

      even in this.