Daniel's Prayer

Dan. 9:17-19

"Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord,make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name."

Daniel knew God. He understood His character and because of that relationship, he called out to God for mercy. What were the sins of Israel? Why did they need this mercy?

• they sinned and had done wrong, acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from commandments.
• they refused to listen to prophets.
• they transgressed the law and refused to listen to God's voice.

What did Israel deserve? What were they receiving?

• open shame
• the curse and the oath of the law of Moses
• calamity
• byword

What belonged to God?

• righteousness
• mercy and forgiveness
• confirmation of His words

What did Daniel ask God?

• turn away His anger and wrath
• listen to Daniel's prayer
• make His face shine on the sanctuary
• open His eyes and see the desolation and Jerusalem
• incline His ear and hear
• pay attention and act
• delay not, for His own sake

Why??

 "For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name."

Even though the scales were tipped massively against Israel, Daniel prayed based on what was true about God. He knew that God was merciful and gracious, and this is what Israel needed. He also included himself in the sinful state of Israel. He knew that in relation to God, his heart was full of sin too. What an amazing prayer! Daniel's life and prayer demonstrate his great love for God and his understanding and insight into the nature of God. In fact, Gabriel came to Daniel to give him understanding of the vision. During this conversation he verified that Daniel was greatly loved. He was greatly loved by God because he had a heart for God honoring God in all that he did.

Father,
Teach me to pray, deal with my sin issues, and intercede for those who are lost as Daniel did. Help me to base all I do on who You are.
In Jesus name,

Amen