A Fervent Prayer.

In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. And I set my face unto the Lord GOD, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the LORD my GOD, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful GOD, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love Him, and to them that keep His commandments; We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: (Daniel 9:2-5)

Thus begins the prayer of Daniel for himself, his country, his brethren and for the sins that they had committed.  Daniel recognized the times and seasons and sought forgiveness, solace and mercy at the throne of GOD.  This was a man committed to His GOD, fervent in prayer, and full of understanding and because of that he prayed earnestly for the sins of his people and for the forgiveness that only GOD can give.  This was no empty prayer with pleasant words and platitudes, but a deep felt cry for mercy and grace.  This is the proper response of everyone who recognizes themselves for the sinner that they are. 

It should also be the response of GOD's people, His Church; for their lack of discernment, discipleship and dedication to the Word of GOD.  The church has not recognized the times, nor has it been salt and light as it should.  We must repent: as people of GOD, as sinners whose actions and thoughts are an affront to a righteous and Holy GOD, and as His Church; we must repent and return to the work of GOD.

If you do not have a secure relationship with the Living GOD, receive Him today.  If you do, share Him with everyone you meet.

In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet