A PRAYER OF DANIEL Daniel 9:1-19

We understand the importance of prayer – Our spiritual growth is related to how we pray We have seen the importance of prayer in the life of Jesus and of Paul Today we want to examine a prayer that Daniel offered to God

Daniel 9:1 – offered during the first year of Darius, the Mede Judah had been in Babylonian captivity for 70 years, the appointed time – Jeremiah 25:11-12, 2 Chronicles 36:21 Babylon had fallen to Medo-Persia Daniel prays for Judah (and Israel) – a prayer of confession and repentance)

A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19 Offered to God Vs. 3 – I set my face toward the Lord – approached with a reverent attitude. Accompanied with sackcloth, ashes and fasting. We must approach God with reverence – Hebrews 12:28 A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19 Offered to God Vs. 4 – O Lord, great and awesome God – Highest praise for God Jesus taught us to address Him respectfully – Matthew 6:9 When we begin our prayers like this we are reminded of the environment A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19 Offered to God Vs. 4 – Who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments Daniel is aware of God’s accomplishments and promises Whose prayers does God hear?– 1 John 5:14-15, 3:22, 1 Peter 3:12 A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19 Offered to God Also described as righteous (7), merciful and forgiving (9) In our prayers, let us acknowledge what He has already done for us and can do. This humbles us in our approach – 1 Peter 5:5-6 A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

Confession and repentance Vs. 5-15 The majority of this prayer was about their sins. Daniel, even includes himself in his prayers Included sins of commission, omission and ignorance We are reminded that we need God Matthew 5:3, 18:13-14 A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

Confession and repentance Vs. 5 – We have sinned! Taking responsibility. It is NOT God’s fault! James 1:13, 1 Corinthians 10:13 What makes man wicked? Sin, iniquity, wickedly, rebellion A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

Confession and repentance Vs. 5-6 – We have…departed from Your precepts and judgments. We have not heeded the prophets Sin comes from rejecting God’s commandments! 2 Timothy 4:2-4, 2 Peter 3:16 1 Timothy 4:1, Matthew 7:21-23 A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

Confession and repentance Vs. 7-8 – O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us shame of face…unfaithfulness against You Sin is directed against God Psalm 51:4 Matthew 5:3 – the “poor in spirit” A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

Confession and repentance Vs. 9 – He is merciful and forgiving, though we have rebelled… We do not deserve His forgiveness Ephesians 2:4-6, Romans 5:8-9 Boldness in prayer – Hebrews 4:12-16, 10:22 – with full assurance A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

Confession and repentance Vs. 10-11 – we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD…we have transgressed…therefore the curse has been poured out Facing God’s wrath is “on us” Will we accept responsibility? 1 Peter 4:15 Do not blame him when we do wrong and suffer! A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

Confession and repentance Vs. 13 – we have not prayed (as we ought to) Genuine prayer preserves James 5:16 When we sin (Act 8:22) When we are tempted (2 Peter 2:9) BEFORE we are tempted (Matthew 6:13, 26:41) A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

Confession and repentance Vs. 14 – Therefore the LORD has kept the disaster in mind… God does what He says, even in justice Sometimes His wrath is for our good (cf. Hebrews 12:5ff) A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

Confession and repentance Vs. 15 – …we have sinned, we have done wickedly Repetition (not vain), but summary. Daniel demonstrated remorse. Notice the detailed confession of the transgressions of the people! A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19 Request Vs. 16 – According to Your righteousness…let Your anger be turned away The need for His mercy and forgiveness A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19 Request Vs. 17 – Hear the prayer…and supplications…cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary… A prayer to help restore the damage done by their sins (e.g. the temple destroyed – true worship interrupted). If we are out of fellowship! 1 John 1:9, James 5:16 A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19 Request Vs. 18 – we do not present our supplications before you because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. Therein is our ONLY hope of His forgiveness! He has made it available! A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19 Request Vs. 19 – O LORD, hear! Forgive! Listen and act! Do not delay for Your sake If in sin, we need His forgiveness NOW! Don’t delay! 2 Corinthians 6:2 A Prayer of Daniel Daniel 9:1-19

Does God hear your prayers?