Kids Blog-Daniel's Prayer
Last week, kids learned that when Daniel prayed to God, he confessed his sin and the sin of his people and made request to Him.
Bible Story: Daniel's Vision and Prayer Daniel 8-9
Bible Verse: "Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary." Daniel 9:17
After having a dream of four beasts, Daniel was given another vision, this time of a ram and a goat. He saw the two-horned ram, the shaggy goat, and the daily sacrifice being taken away from the LORD. As Daniel tried to understand the vision, Gabriel came and told Daniel the meaning of the vision that concerns the time of the end. The two-horned ram represented the kings of Media and Persia, the shaggy goat represented the king of Greece, and the horn, four horns represented the king, four kingdoms. Gabriel said that in the latter part of their reign, a fierce-looking king will arise, become very strong, and will destory the holy people. Yet, he will be destoryed. God revealed to Daniel that although wicked kings will be given authorities to rule, it will be for a limited period of time for they will be destroyed.
As Daniel experienced terrifying visions that concerned the distant future, he turned to God and continuosly sought him in the Scriptures and prayer. From the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, Daniel understood that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. Daniel turned to God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth, and ashes. Daniel praised God and acknolwedged His great and awesome power. Daniel repented and confessed his sin and the sin of his people Israel. Daniel asked the LORD to look with favor on his desolate sanctuary, not because Daniel and his people were righteous, but because God was merciful and loving. Daniel pleaded with God and prayed urgently for his people. While he was still praying, God sent Gabriel to give Daniel insight and understanding. Gabriel explaned that God has decreed a certain period of time for his people to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness. to seal up vision andprophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.
As Daniel waited on the prophecies to be fulfilled, Daniel put His trust in God and made his request to Him. Daniel understood that only God can save and restore his people. He deeply cared for his people, prayed on their behalf. Daniel pleaded with God for mercy and forgiveness, confessed his sin and the sin of his people Israel and God heard and responded to his prayer. This week, as we meditate on Daniel's prayer, let's seek after God's heart and pray for His people, and nations. Pray for the nations that are suffering from diseases, war, natural disasters, etc, pray for people that do not yet know Christ. Let us confess our sins and ask Him to forgive and restore His people, not because we are good, but because our God is good, merciful, and compassionate.
Image: freebibleimages.org