How can we seek God's favor as Daniel did in Daniel 9:17? Remembering Daniel’s Cry “So now, our God, listen to the prayer and petition of Your servant; and for Your sake, Lord, cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary.” (Daniel 9:17) Humble Confession Opens the Way – Daniel began with repentance (vv. 4-15). – God esteems the contrite: “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.” (Isaiah 66:2) – When we confess, He forgives: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) → Admit sin, own responsibility, renounce excuses. Appeal to God’s Character, Not Our Merit – Daniel 9:18 reminds, “we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteousness, but because of Your great mercy.” – Salvation rests on mercy, not works (Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:4-5). → When you pray, lean on who God is—gracious, faithful, covenant-keeping. Align with God’s Purposes and Promises – Daniel prayed what Jeremiah had promised (Jeremiah 29:10-13). – “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14) – “For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) → Search Scripture; shape requests around what God already said He wants to do. Earnest, Persistent Prayer and Fasting – Daniel “gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petitions, with fasting” (v. 3). – Jesus affirmed perseverance (Luke 18:1-7). – Ezra and the early church fasted for favor (Ezra 8:23; Acts 13:2). → Set aside time, perhaps meals, to pursue God without distraction until He answers. Seek God’s Glory Above All – Daniel asked God to act “for Your sake” (v. 17). – “Help us… for the glory of Your name.” (Psalm 79:9) – Jesus promises answers that glorify the Father (John 14:13). → Frame every request around how it will honor God’s name. Live the Obedience that Confirms Your Request – “Be doers of the word.” (James 1:22) – “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them… I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” (John 14:21) – “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are inclined to their prayer.” (1 Peter 3:12) → Favor shines brightest on lives that reflect His holiness. Expect God to Respond – While Daniel was still praying, Gabriel arrived with the answer (Daniel 9:20-23). – “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are inclined to their cry.” (Psalm 34:15) – “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16) → Approach in faith; believe He “rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Putting it together: humble confession, trust in mercy, Scripture-shaped petitions, persevering prayer, a passion for God’s glory, obedient living, and confident expectation—these are the steps Daniel modeled, and they remain the pathway for anyone wanting the shining favor of God’s face today. |
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