June 16, 2025

A CALL TO PRAYER

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: ‘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…’”

Daniel 9:4–6 NLT

“O Lord our God, you brought lasting honor to your name by rescuing your people from Egypt… But we have sinned and are full of wickedness… We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.”

Daniel 9:15–18 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Daniel’s prayer was birthed in a time of great transition. Babylon had fallen, and Darius the Mede had taken over the kingdom. This was 66 years after Jerusalem’s destruction, and Daniel had spent decades in exile.

As Daniel observed the changing times, he turned to the Word of God. While studying the scroll of the prophet Jeremiah, he discovered that Israel’s exile was prophesied to last 70 years. That deadline was quickly approaching.

But Daniel also recognized something deeper: the exile wasn’t just a historical tragedy — it was divine judgment because of Israel’s sins. And so, he did what few would think to do. He fell to his knees in confession and intercession, not just for himself, but for the entire nation.

What We Learn from Daniel’s Prayer

1. God’s Word Reveals Our Sin

It wasn’t political events that stirred Daniel’s heart to repentance — it was Scripture. As he read Jeremiah, the Spirit illuminated the truth: Israel’s destruction came as judgment for disobedience.

In the same way, God’s Word is a mirror that reveals both our personal and collective sins. Hebrews 4:12 tells us the Word is sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing our hearts and laying bare our motives. If we want to see revival, we must start with God’s Word. It is the light that exposes our darkness.

2. God’s Mercy Responds to Our Repentance

Even though God had already promised through Jeremiah that the exile would last 70 years, Daniel knew that the promise alone didn’t mean automatic deliverance. He understood that God’s promises often require a response — a heart turned toward Him in humility.

Daniel didn’t pray from a place of entitlement. He didn’t say, “We deserve freedom.” Instead, he said, “We deserve judgment… but we plead for mercy.”

God doesn’t respond to our righteousness — He responds to our repentance. Grace flows to the humble.

3. Our Repentance Can Heal a Nation

Daniel was personally righteous — yet he prayed as if the sins of the nation were his own. Over and over, he says, “We have sinned.” Not “They.” We.

In an age when it’s easy to point fingers and assign blame, Daniel shows us a different way — a priestly way. He stood in the gap and took on the burden of his people’s failure.

We are called to do the same. Intercession isn’t just praying for someone — it’s praying as someone. Standing in the gap. Pleading for mercy. Asking God to heal our land not because we’re worthy, but because He is merciful.

A Call to Prayer

Daniel’s prayer is not just a historical record — it’s a pattern for us.

• When nations are in chaos, we pray.

• When the future is uncertain, we repent.

• When the promise is near, we intercede.

Let this devotion stir your heart to pray like Daniel — with brokenness, boldness, and belief in God’s mercy.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, In Jesus’ name I come before You — not because I deserve anything, but because of Your mercy. I confess that we have sinned. We have rebelled, ignored Your commands, and turned from Your ways. I ask You to forgive me, my family, and this nation. Heal our land, O Lord. Revive our hearts. Restore Your presence in our communities. Let Your name be honored again. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”