R³ Devotional - Day 258

Daniel 9 recounts the prophet's humble, heartfelt prayer and the stunning prophetic answer he received. After reading Jeremiah's prophecy that the exile would last 70 years, a spiritually attuned Daniel responds not with celebration, but with deep repentance and intercession. Humbled by his people’s disobedience, he confesses their sins, as well as his own, not based on their righteousness but on God’s great mercy. Daniel pleads with d to act “for your own sake” and restore Jerusalem, whose desolation had become a “reproach” to God’s name. While he is still praying, the angel Gabriel appears to him, assuring him that his prayer was heard immediately. Gabriel then delivers the complex “Seventy Weeks” prophecy, revealing that God’s plan is not merely the end of the exile but an ultimate redemption that will put an end to sin and bring everlasting righteousness through the Messiah. This chapter is a powerful devotional reminder of the connection between studying Scripture, practicing humble and earnest prayer, and receiving divine insight into God’s sovereign plan.

Real Life Principals:

1. God is Righteous, We Are Not:  Daniel contrasts God's righteousness with Israel’s unfaithfulness. A clear view of God's holiness helps us see our need for His grace.
   
   
2. God's plan is bigger than we can see:  the “seventy weeks” prophecy reveals God's plan far beyond Daniel’s initial prayer. God's plans are eternal.

Relevant Life Applications:

1. Approach God with Humility: Daniel prayed with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes, an attitude of dependence. When praying, come with humility, keep your heart soft before God.
   
   
2. Pray for God's glory, not just your needs:  Daniel prayed “ for your name's sake”. When we pray to God, we should pray for His will to be done. Not just our own desires to be done. 

Ready Action Steps:

1. Pray Scripture:  Pick a passage like a psalm and turn it into a personal prayer, like David did with Jeremiah's prophecy.
   
   
2. Fast or simplify:  Find a way to humble yourself so you can more fully focus on prayer.
    
3. Believe God hears:  Pray with expectation. Even if answers don't come right away, remember God sent Gabriel before Daniel even finished praying! He hears right away!