Worship was Daniel's life core, the axis of his being. Daniel prayed and Daniel gave thanksgiving but first he knelt in surrender. . . Surrender is worship. Prayer is a result, not a beginning. Prayer is secondary.
Worship is the first issue.
Prayer is heard without worship but prayer is answered in the realm of worship. Angels rushed to fight heavenly wars for Daniel's requests, and they were the highest angels, those who stood in the very councils of God. His worship, his lifestyle of worship engaged God's heart with a special favor that made his prayers instantly caught up in the heavens. Wisdom is given to the worshiper. Obedience rises from worship.