How does Daniel's appeal for God's "name" guide our motivations in prayer? The Heart of Daniel’s Plea Daniel 9:18–19: “O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteousness, but because of Your great compassion. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name.” Why God’s Name Matters in Prayer • Daniel centers his request on “Your name,” not on Israel’s merit. • In Scripture, God’s name represents His character, reputation, and glory (Exodus 34:5–7). • By appealing to the name, Daniel ties the answer to prayer to God’s honor in the world. Motivations Realigned • From self-interest to God’s glory: Daniel’s chief concern is that the Lord’s fame be upheld. • From entitlement to mercy: “not because of our righteousness,” echoes Titus 3:5—salvation rests on God’s mercy, not human worthiness. • From impatience to divine timing: asking God to act “for Your own sake” submits the outcome to His perfect wisdom (Psalm 115:1). Practical Takeaways for Today • Begin requests with worship—acknowledge who He is before what we need (Matthew 6:9). • Filter desires through God’s honor: ask, “Will this magnify Your name?” (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Confess sin plainly; then lean on His compassion, not on personal performance (1 John 1:9). • Trust that answers, even delays, serve a bigger display of His character (Romans 8:28). When We Pray “For Your Name’s Sake” • We align with God’s purposes. • We cultivate humility and dependence. • We guard against selfish ambition. • We step into the security that God will act to uphold His own reputation (Isaiah 48:11). Conclusion Daniel’s appeal teaches us to tether every petition to God’s name. As we do, our prayers shift from self-centered wish lists to faith-filled participation in the unfolding of His glory on earth. |
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