1 In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes (a Mede by descent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian kingdom 2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. 3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed… “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, (Daniel 9:1-4)

Repentance requires ownership of responsibility.

God’s promises are His reputation.

20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill—21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. (Daniel 9:20–27)

Take It Home:

1. Build your prayers on God’s promises.
2. Don’t quit on the cusp.
3. Trust your prayers to His mercy, not your merit.