Daniel 9:1-19  As Daniel read the words of Jeremiah he saw the promise.. " I, Daniel observed in the books the number of years which was revealed as the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolation of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years."

Daniel immediately began praying.. "so I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes."  ( v3)  Daniel prayed for himself and for his people. He confessed the sins of the nation.. " we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly, and rebelled, even turning aside from Thy commandments and ordinances. Moreover, we have not listened to Thy servants the prophets, who spoke in Thy name to our kings, our princes, our fathers, and all the people of the land." 

This is a mighty prayer! What would happen in America if all the Christians began to pray like this for our country?

Daniel looks to the righteousness of God and confesses the "open shame" of his people.  Then, he appeals to the true character and heart of God.. "To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness."  Daniel looks back at the words of Moses and acknowledges that everything that God said he would do.. He did.  He acted righteously and justly.. bringing the consequences for sin upon Israel even as He had warned them that He would if they did not keep the covenant that they had made with Him. 

In the same way, Daniel appeals to the promise that God would restore the people of Israel when they turned back to Him.. "O Lord, in accordance with all Thy righteous acts, let now Thy anger and wrath turn away from Thy city Jerusalem, Thy holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Thy people have become a reproach to all those around us." 

Listen to Daniel's supplication, "O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and take action! For thine own sake, O my God, do not delay, because Thy city and Thy people are called by Thy name." (v19)

This prayer reveals so much of Daniel's heart.  He was so humble and yet so wise. He was told so many mysterious things about the future.. but his heart was tender and he just sought the Lord in every circumstance. He carried a deep burden for his people and his prayers reached beyond his own needs. 

Father in heaven, we pray for compassion and forgiveness for our land and people.. we need Your righteousness and justice in this land.  Bring hearts back to Yourself. May the Spirit of God bring conviction of sin and wickedness and rebellion and may  people everywhere repent and give their hearts over to the Lord Jesus Christ in faith and in truth.  O Lord hear! O Lord forgive! O Lord listen and take action! We have no other hope except in You! Pour out Your Spirit upon us now, we pray.. in Jesus' name. Amen.