READING: Daniel 9-12, Revelation 1:1-2:7
Sometimes, desperation drives us to deep prayer. And, that’s a good thing.
That was the case for Daniel as he prayed for God to intervene for His people in Daniel 9. The depth of Daniel’s confession for the sins of the people is gripping, but his recognition of who God is is even more powerful: He is “great and awe-inspiring,” the one who keeps His covenant, the one to whom righteousness belongs, the one who is compassionate and forgiving. In the light of God’s “abundant compassion,” Daniel pleads with Him to restore the city and the people who bore His name.
Listen, in fact, to Daniel’s plea: “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” (Dan 9:19).
“Lord . . . Lord . . . My God . . . Hear! . . . Forgive! . . . Listen! . . . Act! . . . Do not delay!” The intensity is clear. The passion is real. The burden is obvious. And, it’s all evident in the prayer of a righteous man who longed for God to glorify His name by taking care of His people and His city.
Do you pray with such fervor? Do I?
PRAYER: “God, give me a burden for Your people and a desire to honor Your name.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Pray with fervor today for someone who is a believer, but who has wandered from God.
TOMORROW’S READING: Hosea 1-5, Revelation 2:8-3:22
