A Plea for Mercy - Audio

Big Idea - How can we be more effective in prayer? There are many examples in Scripture of how to pray. The prayer of Daniel is only one. But, it is a good model for prayer, and there is much we can imitate from Daniel. In the end, Gabriel told Daniel that he was "greatly loved" and precious to God. This was certainly God's response to Daniel's attitude and heart in prayer. What did Daniel pray that caused God to respond with such affection? Daniel's prayer contains five elements that we can follow, five things that gave Him favor with God. First, Daniel enters into prayer with a great spirit of humility. Second, he begins his prayer by praising God for His greatness. Third, Daniel confesses the sins of Israel, which stands in stark contrast to God's righteousness. This makes Daniel's plea for help one that is based fully on God's grace and not on any right or demand we can make on God. Fourth, Daniel frames his request on the basis of what God already said He was going to do. Finally, Daniel's greatest concern is not for his own sake or benefit. Instead, his great concern is for the glory of God in the world. But God's honor is not separate from what happens to God's people. He has allowed the honor of His name to be attached to those who bear His name.