Text: Daniel 9:3-19

Dear Young People,

PLEADING THE NAME OF GOD
Daniel pleaded with God to hear his prayer because he knew that the situation was desperate. He feared that God would have to chasten Israel severely because of the many heinous sins committed over the years. He must have wracked his mind as he thought about how to pray to God effectively. The next appeal was based on concern for the Name of the Lord.

"For the Lord's sake cause Your face to shine
on Your sanctuary, which is desolate.
O my God, incline Your ear and hear;
Open Your eyes and see our desolations,
And the city which is called by Your Name…"
Daniel 9:17-18

Daniel was truly concerned about the Name of the Lord. He was aware of the fact that the city (Jerusalem) represented the whole nation. The people were indeed called by God's Name. We read about this in a passage in the book of Chronicles.

"If My people who are called by My Name
will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face,
and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear
from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal the land."
2 Chronicles 7:14

Concern for the Lord's Name spoke well of Daniel. One should always be concerned about the Name of God. Daniel was concerned that the shame and the desolation of the city of Jerusalem would bring great dishonour to the Name of God. He prayed with all his might that God would indeed uphold His own glorious Name, and in the process forgive Israel and heal the land as He had promised.

PLEADING THE GREAT MERCIES OF GOD
Daniel went further in prayer and pleaded the "great mercies" of God. Let us take time to ponder over his words,

"We do not present our supplications before You
because of our righteous deeds, but because
of Your great mercies. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive!
O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God,
For your city and Your people called by Your Name."
Daniel 9:18-19

Let us learn to pray as Daniel did. Let us learn how to plead the great mercies of God. Let us be challenged to deepen our prayer life.

Prayerfully,                                                                             

Pastor Charlie

First released 12th May 2002, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore