Praying for Mercy and Action

As we continue to learn from the prayers of Daniel, we’re reminded of how reliant we are on God’s love and forgiveness.

Appeal for mercy. Daniel appealed to God’s mercy, saying, “Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, . . . For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. . . . We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy” (Daniel 9:16-18). Daniel’s bottom line wasn’t his own wealth, health, or success—his first and foremost desire was for God’s glory. Daniel did not try to merit God’s action. His plea was for God’s mercy—one of God’s great covenant characteristics. God loves when we assent to His covenant character, so acknowledge to God that you do not deserve His blessings but receive them because He is a merciful and loving God. Humble yourself before the Lord, realizing that your strength and success come from Him alone.

Petition for God to act. Daniel very specifically asked the Lord to take action: “Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name” (Daniel 9:19). Daniel’s prayer was not selfish in nature, but he prayed for the Lord to show Himself strong so that the Lord might receive glory on this earth. We are to pray that God will act in a way that brings Him the greatest glory and in a way that most profoundly demonstrates that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Prayer: God, as I humble myself before You, I realize that I don’t deserve Your blessings, but I am grateful that You are a merciful God. Apart from You, I am nothing. God, I pray that You would take action, showing Yourself strong, so that You would receive all praise and glory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.