15 Now, O Lord our God, who brought Your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and who made for Yourself a name renowned to this day, we have sinned; we have acted wickedly.

16 O Lord, in keeping with all Your righteous acts, I pray that Your anger and wrath may turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all around us.

17 So now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, O Lord, cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary.

18 Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great compassion.

19 O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your name.”

— Daniel 9:15-19

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

In his prayer and intercession toward God, Daniel did not shrink back from naming the many sins of God’s people, yet he appealed just as boldly for God’s mercy. Recalling God’s mighty hand that delivered His people out of enslavement in Egypt, Daniel humbly yet confidently pleaded for God to “turn away Your anger and Your wrath from Jerusalem, Your city, Your holy hill.” Despite his people’s sinfulness for generation upon generation, Daniel unwaveringly believed what was true about his God and called upon His favor.

Daniel balanced his current reality with what He knew to be true about God. After nearly 70 long years of exile, a suffering people, a destroyed city, and a desolate sanctuary all needed redemption that only God could give. Daniel freely admitted that they did not deserve God’s favor: “We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy.” Daniel had it right-sinners never deserve the mercy God gives. Daniel trusted God and believed His Word. God’s prophecy through Jeremiah promised His people punishment because of their rebellion but also guaranteed that God would bring that time to an end.