Intercessors: Daniel - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) November 12, 2021

One of the Bible's great intercessors is Daniel. We typically think of him when it's time for the 21-day fast many Christians participate in each new year. Or, you may know him as the guy who entered the lion's den and came out unscathed. However, there's so much more about Daniel to learn.

It is key to have context of the times Daniel was living in. He was an Israelite - captured and taken from his homeland to live in Babylon. However, Daniel (and his three friends - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) distinguished themselves and gained influence in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar. In fact, due to the great power of God in his life, Daniel became the effectual second-in-command to the king. His friends also caused the king to announce that their God was to be worshipped throughout the Babylonian empire.

Daniel was a man who prayed three times a day, so it's no surprise he sets a great example on how intercessors are to pray.

He determined from reading Jeremiah 25:11 that his people would be in captivity for seventy years (Daniel 9:2). In response to this revelation, we are told in Daniel 9:3 - So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. Notice, he prayed and fasted. And if you look at his prayer as outlined in verses 4-19, we see Daniel started by exalting the Lord, then confessing the sins of his people and himself. He pled for God's mercy and sought God's action on behalf of the Israelites. His prayer was reverent and extremely humble. And I particularly like the ending in Daniel 9:19 - Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”

Daniel shows us how to be intercessors. That we are to praise God, acknowledge our sins (not just the sins of those we're praying for), petition from a place of humility, use the word of God, and call on Him to move in response. God did just that, sending Angel Gabriel to give Daniel a reply while he was still praying!

While we may wish we had an intercessor like Daniel on our side, the truth is we can all be like Daniel and we should strive to be. If you can, take a look at Daniel 9 before we gather for fellowship today. See what you glean from it. Then, just like we did on Tuesday for the P&P 100 Challenge, come with two or more prayer points petitioning the Lord on behalf on someone or an issue that needs God's intervention. Come ready to stand before the Lord as a representative for a person or a multitude of people on a matter. May the Lord remember us for taking a cue from Daniel and standing in the gap for the betterment of others, IJN, Amen.

See you at Noon EST for Praise & Pray (for others) to the glory of God, Amen.