Praying For Those Who Have Influence On Our Daily Lives

 Praying With An Honourable Man

On this Sunday after Remembrance Day when we recalled the great sacrifice so many paid so we could live in freedom, we want to give our attention to another honourable man and see how we can follow his example. 

So today we pray with one of my favourite people – Daniel.  Daniel had a habit of praying and even when to continue to pray could cost him his life, he went home and as was his custom, he opened his windows, not caring who saw him, and prayed 3 times a day. 

It did cost him a trip to the lions’ den overnight but God kept him safe and raised him up to place of prominence in the government. 

Daniel was always a humble man.  We’ll pray a prayer with him today where he confesses sin – not just his own but those of his nation and his government. 

I pray to have a heart like Daniel’s who sees reality for what it is, knows what we deserve, and yet also knows that God’s mercy goes deeper and His love for us is unfailing.  Let’s call out to God for His great blessing today – undeserved though it might be – but in a great demonstration of how awesome God is.

O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands.

But we have sinned and done wrong. We have rebelled against you and scorned your commands and regulations. We have refused to listen to your servants the prophets, who spoke on your authority to our kings and princes and ancestors and to all the people of the land.

O Lord, we and our kings, princes, and ancestors are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. But You Lord, our God, are merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against You.

We have not obeyed You, the Lord our God, for we have not followed the instructions You gave us through Your servants the prophets. We disobeyed your instruction and turned away, refusing to listen to your voice.

O our God, hear your servant’s prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary. O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.

O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name.

Excerpts from Daniel 9

Well, we can pray for our cities and our nations and their leaders just like Daniel did.  How else are they going to recognize and act on truth.  Let’s be about this important task today.