Therefore, we cannot help but give thanks and praise to the Lord.

What is remarkable is that after Daniel said to his three friends,

'Let us ask the God of heaven for mercy

and pray that He will reveal this mystery,'

the mystery was indeed revealed

to Daniel that very night in a vision.

Therefore, Daniel praised God, saying:

'Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,

for wisdom and power belong to Him.

He changes times and seasons;

He deposes kings and raises up others.

He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness,

and light dwells with Him. Praise be to the God of my ancestors,

who has given me wisdom and power.

He has made known to me what we asked of Him,

revealing the king’s dream and its interpretation

(Daniel 2:18-23).

As I reflect on this passage, I receive several lessons:

(1) Prayers offered to God with urgency and earnestness

in critical situations are answered quickly.

(2) Only the Lord hears our pleas in desperate circumstances

and grants us the wisdom and power

we so desperately need to rescue us from crisis.

(3) Those who receive prompt answers to their prayers praise God.

(4) Wisdom and power belong solely to God.

(5) God, who dwells in light, reveals deep and hidden things

and knows everything hidden in darkness.

(6) Therefore, we cannot help but give thanks and praise to the Lord.