Waiting on us?

Daniel, a man abiding in the knowledge of His God, understood from the prophecies of Jeremiah that the captivity of the Jews in Babylon would be seventy years. He realized this in the sixty-seventh year of captivity. At that moment he began praying, confessing his sins, the sins of his people, and asking God to remember His promise, to remember that exile should soon end.

"So now, our God, listen to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplications, and for Your sake, O Lord, let Your face shine on your desolate sanctuary. O my God, incline Your ear and hear! Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city which is called by Your name; for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and take action! For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name." Daniel 9:17-19

This is a single incident in history; no specific promise like this has been made to us. But on principle: is God's thundering action awaiting the prayer of one humble man? Is His answer waiting on your request? We no longer repent in dust and ashes, but I wonder if we truly understood the glory, power, and patience of God, if we would once again truly repent. How often do the words of our prayers forget the context of their speaking: The Almighty has invited us into the throne room, to pour out His great compassion. We do not pray "in God's will" because it is best for us. We pray in His will because it brings Him glory.

Who is the focus of our prayers? Can we be humble, repenting in ashes, pouring out our desires that God move for His Own Name, for His Own good? Perhaps the mountains await removal as God waits for us to cry out. It is not promised that He will work as we ask. But we will be changed in fervent prayer. And the world may be changed too.