Prayer Changes Things

Could it be that the themes of this prayer were the substance of what Daniel was praying about in chapter 6? If so, then he was doing far more than keeping his quiet time. Stimulated by God’s promises, he was interceding for God’s people. He knew that the only ground of his appeal was God’s mercy, but then that is the only basis on which any of us can appeal. God will not be found wanting.

What Daniel has believed since he was a teenager, he now makes explicit. The fall of Jerusalem was not due to the superior power of the Babylonians but to the judgment of God on his people’s disobedience. God was neither taken by surprise nor overwhelmed by the enemy but rather chose to use a pagan power as his instrument to fulfill his purpose.

This is a great prayer because Daniel takes God and sin seriously. There is nothing casual about his approach or his attitude toward prayer. For him, confession is not to avoid the consequences but to recognize God as just. The nation has received nothing more than it deserved. Moreover, the reality of sin leaves him feeling ashamed. We have almost lost the ability to be ashamed of anything.

What stands out in all his praying is that it is shaped by what he believes about God. God is awesome and has a great name; he is merciful and forgiving; he keeps his word and is righteous. What prompts this prayer is God’s word to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10–14) that the exile will last for 70 years. That time is almost come (within three or four years) and now God’s people need to pray! As God judged because he said he would, so God will deliver because he promised. ‘God loves to be believed in’! (CH Spurgeon).

Respond in Prayer

I too would pray with Daniel: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong. We ask for your forgiveness. Thank you for your love and mercy in Jesus Christ. In his name, we pray, Amen.

Colin Sinclair