A prayer that rocks!

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%207-9&version=NIV

I love the faith of Daniel. In fact, if I were to choose a model or faith- a mentor from scripture - it would be him. His faith stood up in the midst of less than ideal circumstance from the start. But as we've been reading, I'm sure you've noticed that are persecution got stronger, as the 'fire got hotter' if you would, his faith increased.

So I read the book of Daniel often to see the things he put into practice that allowed God to build this amazing faith. He was a man who trained - mind, body, spirit. Daniel lived out his faith in the things he ate (Dan. 1:5-20) - and so I've done the Daniel fast - all fruits and vegetables - for thirty days. It was an amazing experience. A little note about spiritual fasting - it absolutely turns your focus to God and it's amazing how God gives you the strength to continue. Admittedly, I am so far from Daniel standards in what I choose to eat daily, but I do strongly believe in putting food in my 'temple' that will help it remain clean and healthy.

Daniel lived out his faith in a consistent and persistent prayer life - he prayed three times a day (Dan. 6:12). He kept this prayer habit even when faced with persecution if he continued in it. So I try to model Daniel by going to God in prayer. One of my favorite things I've learned about prayer is that you don't have to be on your knees or in a set-aside time in order to pray (although is this important and a key ingredient to a life of faith). I've learned that I can walk through my days and pray as I go - that I don't have to leave the presence of God after I come off of my knees from my quiet time in the morning. I can literally live before his throne. Christ knew this - he commands that we pray constantly - and certainly He did.

Daniel also prayed and lived and walked in faith and expectation. He did not doubt God - even when God delayed to answer - but believed that God would answer his prayers. Period. No questions asked. His faith in God was undoutably the cornerstone on which he built his life.

And so Daniel 9 is one of my favorite prayers in scripture. It is a prayer of humilty (vs. 3), worship (vs. 4), confession (vs. 5-15) and petition (vs.16-19). It is a phenomenal prayer to model. It is a prayer that has become part of my prayers every day because verses 17-19 are words of God that I've chosen to pray back to him daily. My favorite part of the prayer is being able to confess that I don't approach God because I believe I am righteous, but because he is so merciful to not just allow, but invite me to do so and delight when I do. It's a gracious reminder of God to us that we don't have to be all cleaned up to go to the throne of grace - certainly Israel wasn't at the time Daniel prayed this prayer. Rather, we go believing in God's mercy, his forgiveness, and that he hears us and has the power to change our lives and make beauty where we've made ashes. And so I pray for us:

"Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lofd, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name." - Daniel 9:17-19

Blessings to you, sweet friends!

Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels