A survivor, Daniel lived in exile far from his homeland. He experienced invasion, conquest, and the deaths of friends and family. As he endured his difficulties, Daniel prayed.

Daniel prayed for his fellow exiles. He also lifted up the ruined city of Jerusalem and its desolated sanctuary, now lying in ruins.

But the manner in which Daniel prayed intrigues me. He neither demanded his rights as a member of the chosen race, or scolded God for punishing so severely. Instead, Daniel appealed for mercy.

Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. 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!

This seems the single necessary component for my prayers. I did nothing to inherit life, nor anything to deserve the Lord’s goodness. As much I I might believe in myself, or pout and stamp my feet, he’s under no obligation to respond to my requests.

But in his mercy, God might do so. So pray for mercy. Ask for grace. Request compassion. Make a habit of praying this ancient petition daily, even several times a day: Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.

Pray from your heart. Pray often, pray for what you need, and pray for what you want. But most of all, pray for mercy from our gracious and forgiving God.

Daniel 9 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Jacob Bentzinger