Intense Prayer

“So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and pleading, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed.” – Daniel 9:3-4 NASB

God worked through Daniel, even revealing dreams no person could have grasped. Despite all this experience and sensitivity, Daniel was puzzled by the dreams and visions he received. He also struggled to understand the message God had given to Jeremiah before him (Jeremiah 25:11-12).

Daniel observed that God had told Jeremiah that Jerusalem would be desolate for 70 years. Daniel was not sure what God meant or what was to be done. He did not throw up his hands in despair but set his face to seek God. Daniel focused all his attention on Him.

Daniel did not just pray a calm prayer but with passion and persistence, earnestly seeking God. He called on the Lord with a sincere heart. Daniel fasted, so he might increase the intensity of his focus. He put on sackcloth and ashes as an expression of mourning and repentance, demonstrating that he was willing to humble himself before God. He confessed the sins of his people and admitted that they hadn’t listened to God’s servant.

Daniel sought God so intensely that he experienced extreme weariness. Because of this intensity, God sent an angel to give him insight with understanding.

Do you have questions? Needs? God encourages you to seek Him with intensity. If you don’t receive an answer immediately, don’t give up. Humble yourself before Him. Stay persistent, and focus on Him as Daniel did.

Reflection Question: What needs are you seeking God intensely for?