READ: Dan. 9:1–19: … We have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God …
Daniel is not only a prophet who receives, passes on, and explains visions—he is also a great example for believers. The Spirit of God dwells in him, which is evident in his conduct (Ezek. 14:14,20).
This also shows in his prayers, in which he intercedes for God’s people by pleading upon God’s promises. We read about this in Dan. 6 and especially in chapters 9 and 10, with his special plea for God’s people.
The occasion for this plea is the fall of the Babylonian Empire and the rise of Darius, king of the Medes and Persians (the same king from Dan. 6). Daniel, who prays with his windows open toward Jerusalem, pleads on the promise of God from Jer. 29:10, where the Lord emphatically says to the exiles taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar:
“For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place… thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Now that Babylon has fallen, Daniel seeks God’s mercy. He humbles himself before God with an urgent plea. It becomes clear that this is a genuine humbling before God’s face: Daniel confesses who God is—the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps His covenant and shows mercy to those who love Him and keep His commandments (v.4, referring to the second commandment); the God who is full of compassion and abundant in forgiveness (v.9).
At the same time, Daniel also confesses the sins of the people and of himself as part of that people. He doesn’t speak of “they” or “them,” but of “us.” He speaks of sinning, not listening, rebelling, being unfaithful, and acting wickedly.
He also acknowledges God’s just punishment on His people and finally pleads: “Incline Your ear, Lord, and hear! Lord, forgive! Lord, pay attention and act!”—for the sake of Your mercy. It’s all about Your holy Name (vv.18–19)!
How is our prayer life concerning the state of the church?
Sing: Ps. 80:3,5