Daniel 9:20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill—
There is a lot in this chapter, but as usual, I want to focus on what spoke to my heart. Verse 23 says: “As soon as you began to pray, a word went out….” God didn’t even wait for Daniel to finish his prayer before God began acting in response. That’s the kind of rich prayer life I want.
Daniel 9:21 …while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice.
Looking at Daniel’s prayer, I notice many things. Daniel’s prayer addresses God and gives Him glory. His prayer is also humble. Daniel says, “We have sinned and done wrong.” He’s not standing aside and pointing fingers. He asks God to act, not for Daniel’s sake or Israel’s sake but for God’s sake, “because Your city and Your people bear Your name” (verse 18).
Daniel 9:22 He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.
Lord, I still have so much to learn about You and about prayer. Thank You for the wisdom of Daniel. Thank You for the understanding that this life is not about me. It’s about You—Your goodness, Your glory, Your people. Humble me. Use me in Your service. Draw me close. Hear my prayer. Amen.
Daniel 9:23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.
Have a blessed day.