January 9: Daniel 9:1-19

The Serious Nature of Daniel’s Response (verse 3)

Meditating on God’s character puts ours in perspective. The preparation for prayer is to set our face on God and cultivate an attitude of humility and contrition. Often, physical actions help prepare the heart (fasting, sack cloth, ashes). How do you prepare your heart to seek God?

But from there you will seek Yahweh your God, and you will find Him, for you will search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.

(Deuteronomy 4:29)

“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

(Psalm 145:18, ESV)

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

(Jeremiah 29:13, ESV)

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

(Mark 11:24, ESV)

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

(James 5:16, ESV)

“and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.”

(1Jn 3:22, ESV)

God’s Word to His people in the day of Jeremiah is still His sure word for men who have sinned and lost touch with the Infinite. No perfunctory gesture of interest can procure the rich treasure that is more valuable than all gold. He is always available. His longing is that all men may look to Him and live. His arms are always open in loving invitation to any who will turn to Him. It is just as true, however, that a diligent search is necessary. One who becomes conscious of his need, senses the satisfying gift of God, and sets out to find Him can be sure of victory if he seeks with his whole heart. Cleansing, peace, joy, victory will be his at the hand of a loving God who delights to welcome His children home.

– Believer’s Bible Commentary

APPLICATION

It is always appropriate to be diligent in our relationship with God. List the ways you may show the earnestness, passion and zeal in seeking God’s face.