Every now and then, the Scriptures seem to pull back the curtain and show us another dimension; another world superimposed over our own familiar world. Cali it the spirit world. We can't see it normally, but right under our noses there are angels and demons actively involved with our world. See Job chapters one and two; Genesis 28:10-22; I Kings 22:19-23; II Kings 6:8-23; Matthew 1:18-25; 4:1-11; 28:1-7; Luke 1:5-38; 2:8-15; 10:1-3, 17-20; 22:39-43; Acts 7:55-55; 9:1-7; 18:9-10; 27:21-25; Revelation (all of it!).

Daniel chapter 10 is where we must focus now.

Daniel 10:2-3 - Daniel is concerned for Israel's future. At this point there are 50,000 Jews back in Jerusalem attempting to lay foundation for the new temple. Work has stopped because there are enemies who are plotting against them already (read Ezra 4). How will things go for the nation after they return to their land? Daniel is seeking the Lord earnestly with prayer and fasting.

Daniel 10:4-9, 14 (see Daniel 10:4 - 12:4) Daniel is visited by an angel (probably Gabriel: see Daniel 8:16; 9:21).

Daniel 10:12-13, 20 - Daniel is involved in an invisible spiritual war. The prince of the kingdom of Persia is not a human prince anymore than Michael is a human prince (Jude 9; Revelation 12:7). There is a spiritual network of demonic and angelic activity going on in the midst of earthly governments and powers (Ephesians 6:10-12). Daniel did not initially realize it, but now he knows that his ministry and prayer-life are directly linked to a great invisible war that is affecting the whole world! This is why we are to pray for those in authority. (I Timothy 2:1-2). This is why the weapons we must use are not carnal, but mighty through God. (II Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-17). This is why prayer and fasting are integral parts of Christian living and service to God (Matthew 17:14-21; Romans 15:30; Ephesians 6:18-20; I Thessalonians 5:17; II Timothy 2:22; etc.).

Daniel 10 illustrates that we must pray against the kingdom of darkness. Now let's consider what it means to pray for a quiet and peaceable life (I Timothy 2:1-2). This is not a prayer for mere tranquility. God can give us peace within during great troubles in the world (Psalm 46; Isaiah 26:3; John 16:33; Romans 5:1-5; Philippians 1:27-29 Consider Daniel living in captivity in Babylon. We pray for earthly leaders and powers, that God might allow us to do two things in this world:

o      The Practice of our Faith (I Timothy 2:2) - We want quiet and peaceable lives so that we can live godly and honest lives. "Godliness" refers to how we live before God (see I Timothy 3:16; 4:7-8; 6:3,5-6,11). "Honesty" refers to how we live before men. The Greek word means to have reverence; moral sincerity; dignity; to have holy behavior before men.

o      The Sharing of our Faith (I Timothy 2:3-7) - God sent His Son to be a ransom from sin for men. He wants men to come unto the knowledge of the truth. While it is within the purposes of God for some people to reject Him and perish, it is His will / His pleasure to save and redeem men from their sins (Romans 1:16-32; II Peter 2:9; II Thessalonians 2:11-14 cp. Ezekiel 33:11; Isaiah 53:6,10; Ephesians 1:5; II Peter 3:9). Though there are some who are specially called and gifted to preach, God has ordained that we all are to testify of His Son. Therefore, we must all pray during this great spiritual war between Christ and Satan (I Timothy 2:8).