Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.” —Daniel 9:17-19 ESV
Daniel is interceding in prayer for his people, the people of Israel, who are called by God’s name. He knows that God is committed to holding up the honor of His name. So Daniel pleads for God to act for the sake of His name. He pleads for mercy and is confident that God will respond to uphold His reputation, His glory.
Yesterday we read the first few verses of Jude, which was addressed to
To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:
May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. —Jude 1:1-2 ESV
Daniel is praying, “we are called by your name and we live by your name. You name gets the glory. Please give us mercy.” This sounds similar to what David prayed:
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?” —Psalm 115:1-2 ESV
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 