Through the Bible: DanielSample

Hear, Forgive, Pay Attention, and Act

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.

Daniel 9: 19 (ESV)

Daniel came to the Lord with earnest pleadings for his people. Inspired by God, Daniel wrote the order of God’s response to prayer. Firstly, our God hears (“shama” in Hebrew) which is “to listen or to give ear to”. Our God does not need any hearing aids; He hears our prayers even in those moments of silence where words cannot express. Psalm 55: 17 says “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.”

The second order of God’s response is “forgiveness”. While it is true that God hears our prayers, He sometimes turns a deaf ear. Isaiah 59: 1, 2 “Behold…His ear is not too dull to hear, but your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God…” Isaiah shows us that God does not hear our prayer if we continue to harbor iniquity in our heart or to offer unworthy service to Him.

Finally, God pays attention (“qashab” or to prick up the ear) and act (“asah” or to make or fashion). Daniel uses the word “qashab” which is likened to the ears of a dog standing erect when on alert. This is how our God responds – He pays attention to our cry and makes things happen.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for forgiving sin and listening to our prayers. Hear the prayers I make and take action that furthers Your will and purpose throughout our city. In Jesus' name, Amen.