READING:
One-year plan: Daniel 9-12, Revelation 1:1-2:11
Two-year plan: 1 Chronicles 24:20-25:31, Acts 1:1-11
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The prophet Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 9 has a strong focus on who God is. He is:
- “the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps his gracious covenant with those who love him and keep his commands” (Dan 9:4)
- The one to whom “righteousness belongs” (Dan 9:7)
- The one to whom “compassion and forgiveness belong” (Dan 9:9)
- The one “who brought [his] people out of the land of Egypt with a strong hand and made [his] name renowned” (Dan 9:15)
Daniel cried out to God, all the while recognizing the significance of God’s compassion on His people: “For we are not presenting our petitions before you based on our righteous acts, but based on your abundant compassion” (Dan 9:18).
You and I must face the same realities. We’re a sinful, rebellious people—but God offers us His abundant compassion. We are privileged to take our requests to God not because we are good, but because He is merciful. Why would we not pray to Him more?
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How is your prayer life?
DAILY PRAYER: “Merciful, awe-inspiring, gracious God, hear my cries!”
MONDAY’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Hosea 1-5, Revelation 2:12-3:22
Two-year plan: 1 Chronicles 26, Acts 1:12-26