As Daniel reflected on the history of his people, he realised that he needed to come to God with a prayer of confession. He knew that he was part of a nation that had rebelled against God for many centuries. Their history was a tragic catalogue of failure and disobedience. God had given them every opportunity to put things right, but they had chosen to live in opposition to him. However, Daniel knew that his generous God was ready to forgive their sins if only the people would turn to him.

When we confess our sins, we are facing the facts about ourselves and our world. This is something we all have to do in everyday life, and it shouldn’t be a surprise to us. Last year, our boiler broke down. It had come to the end of its life and it needed replacing. We needed to face the facts and engage a reliable heating firm to fit a new one. It would have been pointless complaining about the state of the heating industry, deploring the unreliability of boilers in general and bemoaning our personal misfortune. We simply had to recognise the problem and do something about it. We find ourselves in a similar position with sin. We have sinned individually and as a nation. It’s a fact. We therefore need to come to someone who can forgive us and set us free to live a forgiven life, and that’s precisely what God offers us.

This was a turning point for Daniel and, having received his prayer of confession, God then spoke to Daniel through his messenger Gabriel and gave him a clear view of what the future would look like.

What is your prayer of confession today?

Loving Father, I recognise that I am a sinner and live among people who have rebelled against you. Thank you that you are willing to set me free from my sins and give me a new life. Amen