by Rebekah Harvey

Daniel is one of the few men in the Old Testament that does not have sins mentioned against him. Yet we find him in Daniel 9 repenting for the sins of his nation. I believe that the book of Daniel has many lessons for us to apply to our lives. As he prayed he referred to himself as a servant of God, he had been taken captive as a young man and he continued to live out the godly ways that he had been taught before his captivity. Like Daniel we choose to be a servant of the Lord and follow and obey what the Lord instructs us.

Daniel’s prayers are mentioned many times throughout the book that is named for him, his prayers were powerful and had life changing answers given to him, not just for himself but for those he was involved with. We should be people of prayer as well, not only for our lives but for those that we interact with and influence. 

Daniel 9:17 “Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord’s sake cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate. 18 “O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. 19 “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 are called by Your name.”

 
I encourage you to look at the life of Daniel and see what a godly influence he was able to have on those around him and even reach into our generation. He was a man of courage, integrity, and prayer. He is a great example for us today. 

 
As Daniel prayed for his nation, I want to encourage you to pray for our nation and the nation of Israel. There is so much going on in these times that require prayer and repentance. Will you join with me in praying for repentance and forgiveness of our nation, and for truth and discernment as well.