The Prayer – Daniel 9:3-19
The Prophetic word should move us to prayer. We now have an opportunity to sample Daniel’s prayer life. This is the man that would pray three times a day – even when it was illegal and could cost him his life (Daniel 6:4-13). Daniel was a busy, productive person, but prayer was a priority for him. For all of the earthly pressures we see Daniel enduring, it is the Scriptures that most motivate him to pray. Prayer is a way to release negative burdens that trouble our souls (fear, anxiety, and anger). Prayer helps us to have godly and productive attitudes towards the challenges and responsibilities of life. Prayer also should bring us to be burdened with things that are most important to God transcending our own personal burdens).
Now let’s examine Daniel’s prayer: a model for us to follow. Worship – Daniel 9:3-4 – To whom are we talking? - Reverence – Psalm 8:1, 9; 96:1-9; 130:1-4
- Hope – Psalm 130:5-8; 33:20-22
- Joy – Psalm 100
- Compare the model prayer of our Lord (Matthew 6:9).
Confession – Daniel 9:4-15 – Do we agree with God?
- Agree with God’s authority – Daniel 9:4
- Agree with God about sin – Daniel 9:5-15 (cp. vs. 16, 18, 20)
- “We”, “us”, “our” ~ identification with God’s people. See Nehemiah 1:4-10
- Confess our disobedience to Scripture – Daniel 9:5
- Confess our disregard for His messengers – Daniel 9:6
- Justify how God deals with our sin – Daniel 9:7-15
- Compare the model prayer of our Lord (Matthew 6:10, 12-13).
- Can we walk with God? (Amos 3:3 cp. Enoch - Genesis 5:22-24; Hebrews 11:5)
Purpose in Prayer – Daniel 9:16-19 – Do we want what God wants?
Request God’s Mercy and Grace – Our primary need!
See Habakkuk 3:2; Isaiah 55:6-7; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Psalm 33:18-22; 145:8-9, 14, 17-20;
Hebrews 4:14-16.
Desire God’s glory / God’s Will – Our primary goal!
See Psalm 79:9; I Chronicles 29:11; Ephesians 1:12; 3:21; I Peter 2:9-10; I John 3:22; 5:14; Romans 11:33-36; I Timothy 1:17.
- Compare the model prayer of our Lord (Matthew 6:9-13).
- Three Great National Prayers: Ezra 9; Nehemiah 9 and Daniel 9
- Consider II Chronicles 7:13-14
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