Daniel Chapter 9 Vs. 17

 Daniel's Prayer for His People

Daniel 9:17 "Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake."

Having prayed for the negative, the removal of God’s wrath (Dan. 9:15-16), the prophet now prayed for the positive, God’s favor, mercy, and forgiveness (Dan. 9:17-19). Daniel asked that God would hear his prayers and restore (look with favor on) the sanctuary (the temple in Jerusalem) for His sake (cf. Dan. 9:19). And he wanted God to hear his request (give ear) and to see (open Your eyes) the city’s desolation. Interestingly Daniel did not specify what God should do; he only asked that God “look” on the sanctuary and “see” the city, both in desolation for many years.

Daniel based his requests on God’s great mercy (cf. Dan. 9:9), not on the nation’s righteousness for she had none. But because God is merciful and forgiving, he prayed, O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! Concerned for God’s reputation, Daniel wanted the Lord to act quickly (do not delay) on behalf of the city and people that bore His name. All this would bring glory to God for it was for His sake (cf. Dan. 9:17).

The sanctuary in Jerusalem had been a place where all the believers in the world had looked to. Daniel, himself, opened his window toward Jerusalem, when he prayed. Notice, Daniel calls himself, servant of God. The beautiful part of this prayer is the reason; for the Lord's sake.