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A Word Went Out

Scripture:

"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." (Daniel 9:23a)

Reading:

God leans in when His children's prayers are fueled by His Word. Look how the Lord responded to Daniel after he "perceived in the books" and "turned [his] face to the Lord God." (Dan. 9:2-3) God sent the angel Gabriel to convey His delight and love for Daniel!

God responded to Daniel's faith-filled, scripture-soaked prayer with the message: 

  • "...you are greatly loved." (Dan. 9:23 ESV)

  • "...you are very precious to God." (Dan. 9:23 NLT)

  • "...you are of great value in God's sight." (Dan. 9:23 NET)

Get the gist? When we pray trusting God's character with minds full of His very words, it is as if we are speaking heaven’s language. But why would this delight God?

One reason is that God elevates His character and His Word above everything else. "I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word." (Psalm 138:2) Daniel, a man of the Word, begins his prayer with this same adoration, modeling one of the Bible’s most inspiring prayers. 

Like Daniel, we understand God reveals His character by fulfilling His promises. It is a matter of when, not if God will keep His Word. Confidence in God's character did not lull Daniel to rest, rather it compelled him to earnestly pray.  

God's holiness in contrast to Daniel’s sin and the sin of his people, weighed heavily on Daniel's heart. He pleaded earnestly for God's mercy. He professed God's character and confessed wickedness. Daniel prayed for the sake of God’s name, His glory (Dan. 9:4-19).

God hears your prayers because of His great mercy and desires to shine upon you (Dan. 9:17). He feels tremendous compassion, and desires to give insight and understanding. For you are greatly loved, very precious, and of great value to God (Dan. 9:22-23). Fueled by His Word, may you pray trusting God’s character and for His glory. 

Reflection:

1. Do I set aside time to dialogue with God about what I read in Scripture?

2. What do I need to take to God with confidence in His character & His Word?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for listening and responding to my prayers. Please forgive me and Your people the ways we disregard You. I ask for Holy Spirit to teach me to pray like Daniel so that You are glorified. I pray in the merciful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.