The Prayerful Attitude

As much instruction and information on prayer as there is in the Bible, one would think that is a privilege we would practice fervently. From the scriptures we are taught to pray, given examples of how to pray, and given the evidences of answered prayer. Still, we have a tendency to consider prayer a "name it and claim it" game with God. In the Old Testament there is a story of God's people who had not followed his precepts, and had disobeyed his commands. Daniel said the curses and judgments written in the Law of Moses, were poured out on them because of disobedience. So Daniel prayed. You can read the entire prayer in Daniel 9. The part I want to look at comes near the end of that prayer.

Daniel 9:18

18 Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.

Prayer is vital for the Christian. Jesus taught us to pray. Many of the New Testament books begin with prayers. The example to pray is throughout the bible. Do you feel the need to pray? Is a schedule adjustment necessary in order to "find the time" for prayer?

The key of Daniel's prayer is in his prayer for God to see the desolation of the city, brought on by the disobedience of God's people. Then Daniel's plea, "We aren't making these requests because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy." Do you ever feel too sinful to pray? Do you ever feel super righteous and not needing to pray? The example of Daniel is that we should pray because God is merciful. In your prayer life, practice leaning on the mercy, grace and love of our great God.

Our willingness to pray is also essential. If you are looking for answers from God, these are the instructions from Jesus in Matthew 7:7-8. Read those two verses and put them into practice in your life today.

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