Daniel 9 - Six Ways to Pray

 

Daniel 9 - Six Ways to Pray

 

Daniel was a man of prayer. We learn from his prayer life that there are 6 ways to pray. First, we pray with a purpose. It is not a prayer of repetitions or idle words, pretty phrases, or flowery words. We must pray with thanksgiving and supplication. His prayer was a painful performance. He prayed with fasting and in sackcloth and ashes. Daniel was plain in his confession. He was straightforward and to the point. He had a powerful petition and believed that if he asked, he would receive. Most of Daniel’s prayers were done in private. Daniel’s prayers were heartfelt to the throne of God. They were very meaningful.

Daniel is living under the rule of the Medes. The first year of Darius. Daniel studies the prophecy of Jeremiah and realizes he is near the end of the 70 years of captivity. It is coming to the time that these people can return to Jerusalem. He is concerned for his people, so he goes to the Lord in prayer. Fasting is not a requirement in prayer but can be done beyond what is needed if our heart is right in doing so. Daniel is very personal with God, he calls Him “MY God”. He knows of God’s mercy and grace. He identifies himself with his people and confesses not only his sins but their sins also. He labels them as iniquity, wickedness, rebellion, disobedience, and refusal to hear God’s word. He acknowledges that they were wrong, and God was right to send them into captivity. He made no excuses for their sins but confessed them outright. He asked God to deliver them because of His righteousness. God is always righteous when He extends His mercy to us. Christ paid all our penalties for our sins on the cross. Daniel was concerned about the name of God and the glory of God. It was at this time that while he was praying an angel named Gabirel appeared in human form to Daniel. When the angel spoke of 70 weeks, he didn’t mean it literally, In Hebrew language, it meant units of measure. We have no idea how much time that is. But the end of that time will be when Christ returns. Still, we have unfinished business. The transgression needs to be finished. God said that He will pour upon the house of David and Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and supplications.  So far that has not been fulfilled.  Secondly, “to make an end of sins and to bring everlasting righteousness.” This won’t be accomplished until Christ returns. At that time all visions and prophecies will be sealed up. God’s temple will be anointed. We are now living in the age of grace and have a heavenly home to look forward to.

 

 

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah.