Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.

Daniel 6:10 (NKJV)

We know the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. We know about his powerful prophetic dreams and interpretations. Daniel, the prisoner living in the heart of Babylon, operated as a competent and high-frequency prophet of God, undefiled and uncorrupted by the world around him. But long before Daniel became this significant figure in the Old Testament, he established a routine and lifestyle of gratitude.

Daniel developed a custom. This was not a custom mandated anywhere in scripture. It was Daniel’s own routine and habit that he incorporated into his life. Three times a day, he entered his room, opened the windows toward his homeland, knelt, prayed, and thanked God.

Many of us recall how Daniel prayed, but we missed this insight. He gave thanks to God. As a prisoner, he gave thanks to God. As a young boy abducted from his homeland, he thanked God. As a man separated from his family, he gave thanks to God. The mighty prophet Daniel set a personal custom to thank God, no matter his circumstances. He did it repeatedly, throughout the day, every day. Gratitude was the sound of Daniel’s life and routine.

Gratitude before God is a central pillar for an indomitable lifestyle. It is far more than a religious practice. It is a life-transforming transaction that opens the doorway for God to change our minds and the perspectives of our circumstances.

In an age of anxiety and confusion, we must implement postures and routines of gratitude into our lives.

What does your habit or routine of gratitude before God look like?