“I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.” – Daniel 9:4-6
Daniel gives an excellent lesson here in how to intercede on behalf of your nation and people. Daniel was a singularly righteous man who risked everything to live by bold faith. While he wasn’t perfect, he was deeply faithful and obedient. Nonetheless, he could clearly see and confess the sins of his nation and its leaders. Though he was physically and socially far removed from it all, he prayed as though he were a part of it.
Daniel wasn’t afraid to honestly confess profound rebellious sin against God’s holiness, righteousness, teachings, and commands. He wasn’t concerned with making sure God knew he was the one good apple in a bad barrel. He wasn’t afraid to cry out for God’s mercy and forgiveness on behalf of a people who clearly didn’t deserve it. That’s how godly people intercede in prayer!
Do you intercede in this way? Our world faces terrible challenges. Our nation is profoundly troubled. What would happen if God’s people prayed like Daniel? Will you commit to pray like Daniel did – honestly, openly, and persistently? Acknowledging the sins of not just those you disagree with, but those whom you support? Not pointing out the sins of “those people” or “others” but confessing “our sins” as a nation, as a church, as a people? How would the world change if all the followers of Jesus began praying like Daniel? #FollowJesus