How do we know that prayer is effective during persecution?

Prayer serves as a direct line to our Heavenly Father, as stated in Matthew 10:20, where Jesus encourages His disciples not to fear persecution because the Spirit will speak through them in their moment of need. This assurance underscores the effectiveness of prayer, as it aligns us with God's will and invites His intervention in our circumstances. In the case of Daniel, he prayed faithfully despite the threat of death, and God honored his devotion by delivering him from the lions. This demonstrates that prayer can invoke divine assistance even in the direst situations.

Moreover, Daniel’s consistent communication with God before the threat of persecution laid the groundwork for his strength during that time. His habits of prayer were not just reactions to calamity but established a vital relationship with God that fortified him against fear. Thus, scripture repeatedly highlights that prayer not only provides strength and comfort but actively engages God's power to sustain and rescue His people in times of suffering.