### Devotion: The Prayer of Daniel from Daniel Chapter 9
**Scripture Reading: Daniel 9:1-19**
#### Introduction
Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 9 is a powerful example of intercessory prayer, where he prays fervently for his nation. As we reflect on his prayer, we can draw parallels and apply its principles to pray for our own nation, the United States.
#### 1. Acknowledging God's Greatness (Daniel 9:4)
**Daniel 9:4 (NIV):** "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.'"
**Application:**
Begin by acknowledging God’s greatness, His faithfulness, and His love. Remember that God is sovereign over all nations and holds the world in His hands. As we pray for the USA, we affirm God’s authority and trust in His plans for our nation.
#### 2. Confession of Sins (Daniel 9:5-6)
**Daniel 9:5-6 (NIV):** "We have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land."
**Application:**
Confession is a crucial part of intercession. Like Daniel, we must confess the sins of our nation: turning away from God, ignoring His commandments, and neglecting His word. Humbly acknowledging our nation’s failures opens the door for God’s mercy and forgiveness.
#### 3. Seeking God's Mercy (Daniel 9:9)
**Daniel 9:9 (NIV):** "The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him."
**Application:**
Seek God’s mercy for the USA. Despite our national shortcomings, God’s mercy is abundant. Pray for His forgiveness and for a revival that will turn hearts back to Him. God’s mercy can bring healing and restoration to our land.
#### 4. Acknowledging the Consequences of Sin (Daniel 9:11)
**Daniel 9:11 (NIV):** "All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. Therefore, the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you."
**Application:**
Recognize the consequences of national sins. Daniel understood that the hardships Israel faced were a result of their disobedience. Pray that our nation acknowledges the consequences of straying from God’s path and seeks to return to His ways.
#### 5. Praying for Restoration (Daniel 9:17)
**Daniel 9:17 (NIV):** "Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary."
**Application:**
Pray for the restoration of the USA. Ask God to look with favor upon our nation, to heal divisions, to bring justice and righteousness, and to restore us spiritually. Pray for leaders who will seek God’s wisdom and for a people who will follow His commandments.
#### 6. Pleading for God's Glory (Daniel 9:19)
**Daniel 9:19 (NIV):** "Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name."
**Application:**
Ultimately, our prayers should seek to glorify God. Pray that His will be done in the USA and that our nation reflects His love, justice, and truth. Our desire should be for God’s name to be honored and revered across the land.
#### Conclusion
Daniel’s prayer serves as a model for us to intercede for our nation. As we pray for the USA, we can follow his example by acknowledging God’s greatness, confessing our sins, seeking His mercy, recognizing the consequences of sin, praying for restoration, and pleading for God’s glory. May our prayers be fervent and our hearts aligned with God’s will, trusting that He hears and responds to the cries of His people.
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