THURSDAY, JUNE 7
Daniel 9:20-24
Isaiah 53:10-11

“Yet it pleased the LORD
to bruise him …”

DANIEL’S PRAYER ANSWERED

If ever there was an instant and direct answer to prayer, we have just read it in today’s passage. Even while Daniel was in earnest intercession, the heavenly messenger Gabriel was winging his way from the throne of God, bearing a message from the Lord. Daniel stood before the Lord “… in his holy place … He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” (Ps 24:3-4).

Dear reader, how is your prayer life? Are your prayers being heard and answered? Learn from Daniel the lesson of deep soul-rending prayer. Let us all appear before the Lord with “… clean hands, and a pure heart …” (Ps 24:4). Then we may know that our prayers have ascended to God as sweet smelling odours “… which are the prayers of saints” (Rev 5:8).

God’s response to Daniel’s prayer was unique. The angel Gabriel had come from the very presence of God to impart to him understanding in a vital matter, even the consummation of God’s salvation for His people Israel. Daniel was chosen for this signal honour because he was “greatly beloved” in the esteem of God. God loved Daniel and granted him steadfast fidelity through long years of trial and testing, even to his mid-eighties.

THOUGHT: How do I make sure that I come before God with clean hands and a pure heart?
PRAYER: Father, may I see my own unworthiness and my sin every time I come before Thee, the thrice holy God. And may I always come in the name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.