Daniel 4:23 - Praise and Pass Over

Step 1: Pray. Select.  

This morning, I awoke from some vivid dreams that seemed so real I almost felt like I went back in time to a portion of my life in my early twenties yet had the wisdom and discernment I have now in my forties.

With family still in town and extra pets to tend to, everyone was up a little earlier than usual, anticipating the day's activities ahead

As I stepped outside to think about what the Holy Spirit would like me to explore today, I walked around my backyard barefoot.

I took particular notice of the frosty dewey grass squishing beneath my feet, which was refreshing and woke me up! After a few moments, I decided it was best to sit outside in the quiet, despite the cold temperature, a bit removed from the business of the household, and engage in my prayer practice amidst the trees, grass, and open air.

But before I did so, I needed to throw on an extra sweatshirt and some winter ugh-like boots since it was still cold enough outside to still see my breath.

Finally, all bundled up like a burrito, I plopped down on a patio chair, opened my journal outside, and began my prayer practice.

As I closed my eyes, I noticed all of a sudden, it felt like the whole world went quiet. I didn't hear birds, which I usually do on a bright winter morning such as this. I didn't even hear the dogs growling playfully while they chased each other around the yard, which I thought I would since two of them had escaped outside with me. It was utterly silent.

When I opened my eyes, I felt a slight heavenly breeze that barely tousled the leaves of our backyard trees. I looked over at the dogs, and they now stood totally still, with their heads held high, sniffing the soft breeze passing by. Their posture signified they were slightly on alert yet not afraid. After taking in the presence of whatever they smelled in the air, they remained watching and waiting in complete stillness and silence, assessing the atmosphere, very present.

Taking an inventory of the morning and a few words sticking out while I prayed, I was led to my scripture for today.

Step 2: Write. Read. Circle

Daniel 4:23 "And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from Heaven and saying 'Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field; let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him';…"

After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out in this order:

• A Watcher

• A Holy One

• From Heaven

• Bound With A Band of Iron

• In the Tender Grass

• With The Dew of Heaven

• Pass Over Him

Step 3: Re-Write

Adding my name to the front and with a focus on the words that stood out, here is the sentence(s) I came up with for today:

• Jennifer, a watcher, a holy one from Heaven, bound with a band of iron in the tender grass with the dew of heaven, pass over Him.

Step 4: Visualize

As I close my eyes, I picture this angel, or watcher, in the sentence.

He is strong but lies helpless without any power on the ground. His arms and wings are bound by this ring of iron. He struggles to try to break free.

Is he trying to fly? Should I set him free? I hesitate and stop myself. Wait? Did he fall from heaven? Do I trust him? Do I leave him there lying helpless in the grass? I don't know what to do!

God is telling me that I am not supposed to do anything unless He tells me. There are things in this world He says I do not understand yet. He says, "Now that you are walking out this journey with me, you are not supposed to move unless I tell you. Remember?"

The Holy Spirit brings David to mind while waiting in the cave while being hunted by Saul in the Book of Samuel. After much prayer and waiting, David is finally prompted with instruction from Gad (a prophet and son of Jacob) in 1 Samuel 22:5, "Do not stay in the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah."

I was then led to look up what Judah means, and it implies praise in Hebrew. I thought momentarily about how much I used to love to sing as a child and even went on to perform professionally for about a year when in early adulthood. I wondered if the key to unlocking the next door God would like me to walk through is only opened through praise? I don't sing much anymore, but maybe I should (even though in private) before I pray since it pleases God. And God rewards what we do in secret according to Matthew 6:6 - But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

Another thought interjects into my mind. Holy Spirit is telling me that sometimes we can get into situations we are not supposed to, like this watcher on the ground in front of me. I don't know his journey, where he came from, or where he is going.

The Holy Spirit shows me and instructs me to pass over Him, which feels counterintuitive. There is another scripture coming to mind with more instruction. Mark 9:29 - So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."

This fascinates me because I want to find a way to set the angel free, but if I do this to make myself feel better, it may not be the will of God. What I can do is turn to God with a heart of compassion for this struggle I am witnessing of another being and pray and fast for whatever is going on in the situation to be cast out according to the will of God.

Mark 9:29 became a staple in my life a while back as I performed deliverance prayers for those who requested them. I realize that it is vital not to step in front of God's process with people, but rather through prayer, fasting, and asking in Jesus's name that all individuals are set free according to God's perfect will for their life, was the proper order of things. You can show someone grace, compassion, and mercy. However, only God has seen all the details of their journey.

As I step over this bound angel, my flesh still feels guilty leaving him there. I want to lay hands on him. But I was not instructed to do so and should not touch him. I have some questions for the Holy Spirit.

Step 5: Ask. Seek

The main question(s) that came to mind were:

• Holy Spirit, why did you even show me this today if I am not supposed to do anything?

Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive

Holy Spirit, why did you even show me this today if I am not supposed to do anything?

"We are training you to have discernment and practice taming your flesh. If you react to every situation you see, you will surely be distracted by the obstacles and agenda of the enemy. You need to know when a battle is yours because it was assigned to you or whether it is a trap to keep delaying you from meeting in the place at the perfect time to receive an answered prayer that will come down from the heavens you have sent up. Trust when I say, this struggle is not yours. Make sure you start your prayer time by praising God through worship and crying out to the Lord during your prayer time to remove any blocks from receiving what He has in store for you. Remember, the enemy wants to divide you from your creator because when you are close to Him, you will always have more than you need and never thirst again."

Step 7: Pray. Confirm

This is where I ended today. While this was so simple, I needed to soak up this clear instruction and truly burn it into my heart so that I look up and wait for instruction when I feel the need to react to situations out of emotion.

I will remind my two witnesses to continue to pray over my heart posture and ensure it aligns with the Lord's will so I don't get ahead of myself and remain humble.

If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone!

Step 8: Share. Testify

It is quiet and peaceful today, and there isn't much to report. I am just remaining grateful for the little miracles happening all around me all the time, the fact I have a wonderful husband, beautiful stepchildren, family visiting from out of town, and the love of God pouring over me already today.

If you workshopped any of the verses mentioned above using the 8-Step Prayer Practice, we would love to hear from you in the comments below about what the Holy Spirit showed or spoke to you today.

Don't forget to Spread Hope and share HERE if you have a miracle or testimony. We want to see how God is working in your life!

Conclusion:

Recognize that just because something is placed in front of you doesn't mean it is yours to pick up.

God is a God of clarity and not a God of confusion.

If you are unsure of a situation, remember to look up or pass over while praising the Lord.

Remember to praise Him regularly because he delights in it (even in secret).

If we can understand these simple principles, we will remain obediently humble to His will and will not stumble.

Don't forget to share where the Holy Spirit took you with this scripture!

I pray you all remain on watch for God's instructions today. May the Holy Spirit guide you to great things today, friends!