Daniel 3:25, 34–43
REFLECT
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Hebrew youths, were cast into a white-hot fire because they refused to worship the gods of the Babylonians. The Book of Daniel records the whole story — one of the best in the entire Old Testament! While in the fire, Abednego (Azariah in Hebrew) prays, “And now we follow you with our whole heart, / we fear you and we seek your face” (Dn 3:41). The whole prayer is an astonishing declaration of trust in God. Handing over his fate to God, Azariah prays for deliverance. Today, we should cultivate a share of Azariah’s trust in God, looking with confidence to God’s mercy and strength.
PRAY
Heavenly Father, we approach you with reverence and contrite hearts, knowing that those who trust in you are never put to shame. May your kindness and great mercy shine upon us, and may your glory be revealed to all. Amen.
LIVE
Read Azariah’s prayer today, found in Catholic Bibles in the Book of Daniel (chapter 3, verses 26 to 45).