Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.

— Daniel 9:3

When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry.

— Esther 4:1

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

— Matthew 11:21

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

— Jeremiah 29:11

23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?

32 For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live.”

— Ezekiel 18:23, 32

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

Daniel’s deeply established pattern of turning to God, the sovereign author of prophecy, holiness, and salvation, sets the context for his reasonable and appropriate response recorded here. This was not a quick prayer from a comfortable chair. Daniel fasted in sackcloth and ashes, even as he trusted God would fulfill His promise. Fasting involved refraining from food to prioritize God’s desires. Sackcloth-typically rough animal hair-irritated a penitent’s skin. Ashes symbolized absolute ruin. Daniel pleaded with his God in prayer and petition. Like every person ever born, Daniel and his people needed God’s mercy.

God often blesses His people despite their disobedience. He does not delight in the misery of people caught in sin’s consequences but responds to contrition and repentance. A heart heavy with conviction of sin represents an appropriate posture before our gracious God as we seek His forgiveness and blessing.