“Cold prayers court refusal…Heat your prayers red-hot…Plead the blood of Jesus! Plead like one who means to prevail – and then you shall prevail!” This quote by famous British preacher C. H. Spurgeon makes a point: prayers must be fervent to avail.

Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.

Daniel 9:3

In today’s scripture, Daniel is fervently praying to the Lord. While reading the book of the prophet Jeremiah, Daniel discovers the 70 years of captivity should be coming to a close. He also realizes certain prophecies are conditional, meaning God’s people must do their part by humbling themselves and repenting (Leviticus 26). Knowing this, Daniel earnestly focuses all his attention on the Lord, fasting and wearing sackcloth and ashes. First, he praises God and reminds Him of His covenant. Then he repents, accepting responsibility for the sins of the Jewish people. Last, he begs for forgiveness and mercy. God responded by sending the angel Gabriel to help Daniel understand Israel’s future.

Are you concerned about the country’s destiny? Are you fervently praying? Know God will answer. Pray today for the nation and its leaders to be humble, repent and seek Him wholeheartedly.

Recommended Reading: James 5:13-18