Day 34 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

​DAY 34
Friday, June 3, 2022

Daniel 9:18b-19
We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.

Scripture Insights
As we wait on the Lord during these days of personal and corporate prayer, Daniel exemplifies how important confession is for any who are truly seeking a supernatural intervention of God. The first seventeen verses of Daniel 9 are an acceptance of responsibility for the sins and failures of Israel’s past. Daniel’s words drip with sorrow and remorse. He humbly acknowledges that their desire to be delivered could only be possible because of God’s “great mercy” (v. 18).
Then comes the big ask in verse 19: “Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act!”
Thankfully, God’s work in our lives is not based on our goodness. Rather, it’s based on our honesty. When we confess and repent of our sins and wrongdoings, he steps in and applies mercy (releases us from the penalty we deserve).
He listens. He forgives. He hears. He acts.
Why does God listen, forgive, hear, and act? This is how Daniel would answer the question: so that the name of God will be honored by those who give testimony of it.

Today’s Prayer
Father, keep us sensitive to the conviction of your Holy Spirit. May our spirits be quick to confession, humble in receiving forgiveness, and careful with your gift of mercy so that we who bear your name may properly represent you.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—Tim Kellerman, District Superintendent, Northeastern Indiana