DANIEL 9
20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, 21 while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. 23 At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision. – Daniel 9:20-23
DANIEL 9 PROMPT ANSWERS FOR FERVENT PRAYERS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Are you full of hope and faith when you pray?
Do you put your heart, mind and soul to your plea?
The Lord answers promptly those who are fervent
He can quickly respond to you while you’re still in prayer
God knows every need you have even before you ask it
So, run to your Father in heaven who is a generous giver.
During this time of Daniel’s prayer, while he was still confessing and declaring his petitions, God answered his prayer by sending Gabriel who gave him insight as to the vision Daniel saw. What struck me most in this account is how fast the Lord answered his fervent prayers. He answered Daniel while he was still in prayer and had not yet finished. It was amazing too that before the response and insight was given, Gabriel reminded Daniel how much greatly loved he is by God.
Do you pray fervently like Daniel did? Do you have undivided attention as you present your petitions and pleas to the Lord? Is your heart, soul, mind and body present as you lay down all your concerns and sins to the Lord? This kind of focus and heartfelt stance is what God expects from his people. Daniel was the personification of a fervent prayer. What a gift Daniel was for all believers! We were given a sample of how we can pray in spirit and in truth. He prayed like Jesus did in the garden of Gethsemane, vulnerable, honest and humble.
REFLECTION
- Share a time when you prayed fervently and it was answered promptly by God.
