In this passage, Daniel demonstrates a great example of prayer during challenging times. The Persians had defeated the Babylonians, a new superpower now ruled, and Daniel found himself caught in the middle of it. Throughout his lifetime, he had proven to be a man of prayer and faithfulness to his God, the God of Israel. Now, in his advanced age (he must have been in his seventies), we get a beautiful glimpse into his heart.

The following attitudes shaped Daniel’s prayer life, and still serve as a great inspiration for us today:

1. Daniel was a man who prayed by faith based on the Word of God. He saw in the prophecies of the prophet Jeremiah that God was going to judge Babylon and that Israel was going to be restored after 70 years (Dan. 9:2; Jer. 25:11-12). Daniel aligned his faith with this promise and started interceding for God’s promises to come true.
2. Daniel prayed with an attitude of Christ-like humility. Despite his wealth and high position in the empire, he covered himself with sackcloth and ashes and came in full surrender to God. And despite his upright life, he took full ownership of the sins that caused Israel into captivity in Babylon; no finger pointing or self-pity. What an amazing attitude of prayer on behalf of a people.
3. Daniel appealed to the mercy and faithfulness of God, not to his own righteousness (Dan. 9:18). This is an important key to a fruitful prayer life. As members of the New Covenant we get to appeal to the faithfulness of Jesus on our behalf, which is why we pray “in the name of Jesus”.

Taking it Home Question: Which of these attitudes of prayer resonates with you the most in these challenging times?

We will have an opportunity to follow in Daniel’s footsteps and pray for our church, community, nation, and election on October 30^th. Sign up here for a time to pray.