Pray for the Church

Daniel 9:17 "O our God, hear your servant's prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary.”

 The book of Daniel is amazing for its prophecy and example of dedicated following of God. Despite being in exile, Daniel praised God no matter who was on the throne. He was respectful of those in authority over him but his ultimate allegiance was to his God.

 Daniel prayed fervently for His people. His words in Daniel 9:1-17 is an excellent model of prayer. First, he humbled himself and made sure his heart was right with God. Then, he worshipped the Lord, calling to mind the glory and greatness of God. He is worthy of our worship. Remembering how great God is bolsters our faith. He has done mighty works and He can do them again! Finally, he confessed his sins and the sins of his people before he humbly asked God to show his people mercy.

 He said that he didn’t make requests of God because His people deserved it. He cried out to God because he knew that God was full of mercy.

 Friends, will you join me in praying for God’s people? Churches across our nation are struggling during these tense and divisive times. Globally, churches are experiencing persecution and pain. Let’s look to Daniel’s example and intercede on behalf of the Church. We don’t deserve it. But His mercy has never been about who we are and what we’ve done. It’s always been about who He is and what He did.

 Lord God, today I am praying for the whole Church, the Body of Christ. We have strayed from you in so many ways but we want to love you more and follow you more closely. I don’t ask for your help because we deserve it. I ask for it because you are merciful. Heal our land and bring us back to You, Lord. Amen.

 Now this is for you, personally. If life is a struggle or the future looks bleak, if recent events have taken the joy from your life or the way ahead appears difficult, this is my prayer for you.