“Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, ‘O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. We have not listened to your servants the prophets… To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us open shame,.. because of the treachery… committed against you,.. because we have sinned against you. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed…
“’O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem, because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a byword among all who are around us. O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name…’
“While I was speaking in prayer, Gabriel… came to me in swift flight [and] made me understand.'” Daniel 9:3-10,16-19,21-22
“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth…
“I desire that in every place men should pray, lifting holy hands.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4,8
Daniel was a man of regular prayer. He had for decades invigorated his competencies with holy resolve and bold intercession. His high view of God gave him proper perspective of himself, his people, and his responsibility, and set the rhythm of his days on worship, humble confession, and prayer that sought God’s renown and honor. (Daniel 1:3-5,8; 2:16-23; 6:1-11)
Prayer begins with turning our faces toward the Lord- which necessarily supposes turning away from all else: self, agendas, devices, distracted thoughts. Its conduit is mercy sought and applied, and its power is in God’s greatness, righteousness, and faithfulness. Filling our minds with His majesty, holiness, and grace instead of ourselves and personal wants informs and emboldens this wondrous communion.
Gauged against His holiness, do we recognize our depravity and daily waywardness? How consistently do we humble ourselves in desperate contrition, seeking forgiveness on the basis of His mercy? What rebel thoughts and actions, what specific disobedience and dishonor need we confess?
Guided by Him, how faithfully do we plead for our city, those in authority who influence freedoms and governance, our churches? Whose glory and will do we seek? The Lord is swift to answer humble prayer. (James 5:16)
Lord, keep me honest and steadfast in prayer, for Your glorious sake.
As the rain and snow 