Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Daniel 12:1-13 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘But you, go your way, and rest; you shall rise for your reward at the end of the days.’ Daniel 12:13

Today we come to the last chapter of the Book of Daniel. If we are looking for an ending which provides all the answers we will be disappointed. Daniel himself asks ‘what shall be the outcome of these things?’ (v.8). Daniel searches for clarity and meaning.

Often, we don’t know what God is up to in our lives or the wider world. We know, and believe, deep in our hearts, that God has a plan. Yet we need to wait for God to reveal it to us in God’s time - which isn’t necessarily our timing!

Prayer provides us with the opportunity to spend time alone with God and to discern what God is doing amongst us. Prayer is about talking to God and ask the honest questions. Which questions are on your heart and mind today? And how or where do we find the answers to our prayers? The answers come through us listening. Daniel hears words of comfort: that in the time of suffering which is to come ‘your people shall be delivered’ (v.1) and ‘you shall rise for your reward at the end of the days’ (v.13). Listen for the voice of God today.

All through Scripture, we are reminded that in the times of greatest suffering God brings deliverance and transformation. Challenge and adversity are part of this life, but our God brings comfort to His people. Daniel is encouraged to ‘Go on your way’ (v.9) and to trust in God. We are called to do the same; to make this earthly pilgrimage through faithfulness and obedience to our God.

We go on our way held in God’s love. God who loves us so much, that He sent His only Son to dwell with us, and to die and rise again for us. As we now move into Holy Week, we do so in the sure and certain hope that Christ’s victory over death has won for us the reward of everlasting life.

Let us pray: Loving God, enable me to come ever closer to you in prayer; that I may hear your words of comfort and compassion, and trust in you more fully day by day. Amen.

The Revd Canon Tracy Charnock, Vicar, Holy Trinity & St Peter, South Shore.