Day 342: Daniel 9-10; 2 John

"Lord, hear! Lord, forgive! Lord, listen and act! My God, for your own sake, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your name." (Daniel 9:19, CSB)

Daniel's prayer of confession, repentance and petition (intercession) deserves indepth study (Daniel 9:4-19). It is a model of prayer that moves the heart of God to transform the heart of a nation and bring about restoration. It is the kind of prayer that God delights to answer, as is evident by the subsequent conversations that Daniel has with God's messengers. The boldness of the closing words in their crisp exclamations, almost takes my breath away: "Lord, hear! Lord, forgive! Lord, listen and act!" 'Lord' is Adonai...The Creator in relationship to His creation; the Great and Perfect Administrator; the Father Who perfectly manages the affairs of His Household. He is the One Daniel is calling with courage and confidence to act according to His Name, His character. Such confidence only comes out of intimacy and presence. Daniel was known to his fellow Jews as well as to the pagan world as a man of prayer. He knew his Adonai well. In fact, he calls Him 'my God' (Elohim). He is Creator, Majesty of majesties, Sovereign and Great. In this relationship we see the heart of Daniel for God's reputation, His glory and honor. Oh, that all we sought was God's glory and honor in our praying. It would change how we prayed. It would certainly lead us to confession, repentance, and intercession, and it would be centered in the glory of God through thanksgiving, praise and adoration. Somehow, after reading this prayer I want to pray: "Lord, teach us to pray!"