In Daniel 9:4–19, Daniel’s prayer provides a model for us to follow. His prayer was a powerful plea to God, and it started with praise. His focus was not on himself but on God’s goodness. In Daniel 9:4, he acknowledged that God is righteous, merciful, and forgiving.
We must remember that prayer is not just a means of getting what we ask for. It is fellowshipping and having a close relationship with God. When we pray, we must also remember to confess our sins. Daniel confessed that Israel had sinned. He didn’t try to sidestep the fact that Israel had made a grave error; he didn’t make excuses to God but took responsibility. Daniel stated upfront in his prayer that they had done wrong, been wicked, rebellious, and had turned away from God’s commands and laws.
When you go to God in prayer, don’t play the blame game when it comes to your sin. Acknowledge your sin or wrongdoing, whether intentional or unintentional. When God reveals sin in our hearts, His ultimate desire is to reconcile us to the fullness of a right relationship with Him.
PRAYER
Mighty God, as we prostrate ourselves before You, help us not to cover our sins and wrongdoings. Instead, let us bring them to You and ask Your forgiveness. I cancel every assignment of the enemy to blindfold us and try to pull us into sinful acts. I pray we will abide by Your words and lead us to Your truth as we look to You for Your continuous blessings and guidance.
O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name. Daniel 9:18-19
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Trained in deliverance and intercessory ministries, Pastor Michael Vassell has been saved for 33 years and is a law-enforcement officer in Jamaica.