When was the last time you prayed not just for yourself, but for others—your nation, your community, or even for the repentance of people you may never meet?
In Daniel 9, we see a powerful example of intercessory prayer, where Daniel’s humility and heartfelt repentance stand as a model for seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Key Verse: “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.” – Daniel 9:18 (NIV)
Background Context: Daniel 9 begins with Daniel studying the writings of the prophet Jeremiah and realizing that the 70 years of captivity for Israel were coming to an end. Moved by the knowledge of God’s promise and the state of his people, Daniel turns to God in fasting, prayer, and confession. His prayer reflects a deep awareness of Israel’s sin and rebellion but also a profound trust in God’s mercy and covenant promises. Daniel prays for God to forgive, restore, and act for the sake of His great name.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
Daniel’s Prayer for His People
1In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of Median descent, who was made king over the kingdom of the Chaldeans— 2in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. 3So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes. 4I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, 5we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances. 6“Moreover, we have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers and all the people of the land.
7“Righteousness belongs to You, O Lord, but to us open shame, as it is this day—to the men of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those who are nearby and those who are far away in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of their unfaithful deeds which they have committed against You. 8“Open shame belongs to us, O Lord, to our kings, our princes and our fathers, because we have sinned against You. 9“To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him; 10nor have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His teachings which He set before us through His servants the prophets. 11“Indeed all Israel has transgressed Your law and turned aside, not obeying Your voice; so the curse has been poured out on us, along with the oath which is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, for we have sinned against Him. 12“Thus He has confirmed His words which He had spoken against us and against our rulers who ruled us, to bring on us great calamity; for under the whole heaven there has not been done anything like what was done to Jerusalem. 13“As it is written in the law of Moses, all this calamity has come on us; yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our iniquity and giving attention to Your truth. 14“Therefore the LORD has kept the calamity in store and brought it on us; for the LORD our God is righteous with respect to all His deeds which He has done, but we have not obeyed His voice.
15“And now, O Lord our God, who have brought Your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand and have made a name for Yourself, as it is this day—we have sinned, we have been wicked. 16“O Lord, in accordance with all Your righteous acts, let now Your anger and Your wrath turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people have become a reproach to all those around us. 17“So now, our God, listen to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplications, and for Your sake, O Lord, let Your face shine on Your desolate sanctuary. 18“O my God, incline Your ear and hear! Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city which is called by Your name; for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion. 19“O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and take action! For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name.”
Gabriel Brings an Answer
20Now while I was speaking and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God in behalf of the holy mountain of my God, 21while I was still speaking in prayer, then the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision previously, came to me in my extreme weariness about the time of the evening offering. 22He gave me instruction and talked with me and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you insight with understanding. 23“At the beginning of your supplications the command was issued, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed; so give heed to the message and gain understanding of the vision.
Seventy Weeks and the Messiah
24“Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place. 25“So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress. 26“Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. 27“And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.”
Reflection on Daniel 9:
- Daniel’s Understanding of God’s Word: The chapter begins with Daniel reading from the prophet Jeremiah and understanding that the time of exile was nearly completed (Daniel 9:2). Daniel’s response is instructive—he turns to God in prayer. This shows us the importance of knowing God’s Word and allowing it to move us into action. Understanding God’s promises should not lead us to complacency but to earnest prayer and seeking His will. Daniel doesn’t assume that because the 70 years are nearly over, he should wait passively; instead, he engages with God in a deep and humble way.
- A Prayer of Confession and Repentance: Daniel’s prayer is characterized by confession. He acknowledges the sins of Israel, their rebellion, and their failure to listen to the prophets (Daniel 9:5-6). Daniel identifies himself with the sins of his people, even though he personally is portrayed as a righteous man throughout the book. This is a powerful example of intercessory prayer, where we come before God not just for ourselves, but for others. Daniel’s heart breaks for the sins of his people, and he pleads for God’s mercy, not because they deserve it, but because of God’s great compassion.
- God’s Righteousness and Mercy: In his prayer, Daniel contrasts Israel’s sinfulness with God’s righteousness and mercy (Daniel 9:7-9). He acknowledges that they deserve the punishment they have received, but he appeals to God’s character as compassionate, merciful, and forgiving. Daniel knows that the hope of forgiveness and restoration does not lie in Israel’s goodness but in God’s mercy. This truth is just as relevant for us today—our hope is not in our ability to earn God’s favor but in His abundant grace and mercy.
- Pleading for God’s Name: One of the most remarkable aspects of Daniel’s prayer is his plea for God to act for the sake of His name and reputation (Daniel 9:17-19). Daniel’s concern is not only for the well-being of Israel but also for the glory of God. He prays that God’s restoration of Israel would demonstrate His greatness to the nations. This teaches us that our prayers should be aligned with God’s purposes, seeking His glory above all else.
- God’s Response to Prayer: As Daniel is praying, the angel Gabriel appears and gives Daniel a vision and explanation concerning the future of Israel and God’s redemptive plan (Daniel 9:20-23). Gabriel reassures Daniel that from the moment he began to pray, his prayer was heard. This reminds us that God hears the prayers of those who come to Him with humility and faith. Even when the answers are delayed or involve a greater plan than we can comprehend, we can trust that God is working in response to our prayers.
Summary Key Points:
- The Importance of Knowing God’s Word: Daniel’s prayer is rooted in his understanding of God’s Word. We, too, should study Scripture and let it drive us to prayer and action.
- Confession and Repentance: Daniel’s prayer is marked by humility, confession, and repentance, not only for himself but for his people. This teaches us to intercede for others and acknowledge our need for God’s mercy.
- Trust in God’s Mercy, Not Our Righteousness: Daniel knows that Israel’s hope lies not in their own righteousness but in God’s great mercy. Our confidence in prayer is based on God’s character, not our own merits.
- Praying for God’s Glory: Daniel’s prayer focuses on the glory of God and His reputation. We should pray with a heart that seeks God’s will and desires to see His name glorified.
- God Hears and Responds to Prayer: Gabriel’s appearance and message remind us that God hears our prayers and responds according to His perfect plan and timing.
Application: Reflect on the content of your prayers—are they focused only on your own needs, or do they include intercession for others, for your nation, and for God’s glory? Like Daniel, take time to confess your sins and the sins of your community, humbly acknowledging the ways we have fallen short. Trust in God’s mercy, knowing that He is eager to forgive and restore. Lastly, align your prayers with God’s purposes, seeking not only His blessings but also the fulfillment of His will and the display of His glory in the world.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You humbly, confessing our sins and acknowledging our deep need for Your mercy. We thank You for the forgiveness and grace You offer through Jesus Christ. Teach us to pray like Daniel, with hearts that are broken for the sins of others and a desire to see Your name glorified. Align our prayers with Your will and give us confidence that You hear us when we call upon You. May our lives reflect Your mercy and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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