God-Centered Prayer

Daniel 9:1-19 contains Daniel's prayer for the restoration of Jerusalem. It is a fantastic model of God-centered prayer.

1. This prayer is prompted by Daniel's study of God's Word (9:1-2).
-We should allow God's Word to inform our prayer life.

2. This prayer is based on God's character (9:4).
-Daniel recognizes the greatness of God and pleads with God to act according to His character.

3. This prayer is permeated with confession and repentance.
-v. 5 – “we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled.”
-v. 5 – “we have turned aside from your commandments and rules.”
-v. 6 – “we have not listened to your servants the prophets…”
-v. 8 – we deserve open shame
-v. 8 – “we have sinned against you.”
-v. 9 – “we have rebelled against him.”
-v. 10 – “we have not obeyed his voice.”
-v. 11 – “All Israel has transgressed your law and turned aside, refusing to obey your voice.”
-v. 11 – “we have sinned against him.”
-v. 14 – “we have not obeyed his voice.”
-v. 15 – “we have sinned, we have done wickedly.”
-v. 18 – we do not present our pleas because of our righteousness

4. This prayer in grounded in God's passion for His own glory (9:17-19).
-Daniel appeals to God to act on behalf of His own name.