I love Daniel’s prayer in Daniel chapter 9.  What a perfect example for us to follow when we make petitions unto God. This beautiful prayer containing humility, worship, confession and petition sets the tone of a heartfelt prayer that, like incense, goes up before God.

Listen to how Daniel addresses God.  “Oh God, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey His commands, we have sinned.”  Daniel, one of the most righteous men in the entire Bible, includes himself when he confesses the sins of the Israelites.  He goes on to confess the many sins of his people, although he was most assuredly innocent of committing any of them.

I  love one of the last lines in vs. 18.  “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Oh Lord, listen.  Oh Lord, forgive.  Oh Lord, hear and act!”  How good is God that His answers to our prayers does not depend upon our righteousness!  He answers our prayers because of His great mercy.

Thank you God!