Daniel's Intercessory Prayer

A famous preacher once said that it is easier to preach a sermon than to engage in private prayer. Sometimes I have people ask me how to pray. What sounds so simple can be really hard. One way to learn is by example.

This Sunday morning we will be in the first part of Daniel 9 in which we have one of the most outstanding examples of intercessory prayer in the Bible. Daniel approaches God with reverence and humility and prays according to His revealed will.

One remarkable feature of this prayer is how Daniel intercedes on behalf of God's people, confessing their sins and pleading for their restoration to the land. Why does Daniel confess the sins of Israel for which he was not personally responsible?

Another interesting feature of this prayer is that Daniel prays for what God has already revealed that He will do (restore Israel to its land after 70 years in exile – Jer. 25:8-11 29:10-14). Why pray if God has already determined to do something? (Answer: God uses means.)

As Daniel interceded for God's people under the Old Covenant, we are reminded of Jesus who, though innocent, interceded for His people and even took responsibility for our guilt.