Daniel 9

As I read Daniel's Prayer it was clear to me that this generation also continues to sin against the Lord God Almighty. Just like Daniel, we must go to God in earnest prayer.



"I, Daniel, understood from the scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last 70 years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.

I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed:

'O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.

'Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you.

'Now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us.

'Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of your because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! O my God, do not delay.

While Daniel was still speaking, God sent Gabriel to instruct and give him insight. The angel said 'As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you , for you are highly esteemed."

Cling to this one thought today

"We do not make requests of you, O Lord,

because we are righteous,

but because of your great mercy!"

Daniel was crying out to the Lord in humility,

in honesty, and with a pure heart.

He begged for mercy, not for help,

because he knew that his people did not deserve it!