Daniel 9:9
Acts of compassion and forgiveness belong to the Lord our God, even though we have rebelled against him.
Dear Heavenly Father,
During Daniel’s time, your people had been taken into Babylonian captivity because of their idolatry and sinfulness. And as Daniel wrote these verses, he acknowledged their sin and that acts of compassion and forgiveness belong to you. Because we, too, sin against you, we pray for your acts of compassion and forgiveness that still belong to you. You demonstrated your mercy to us through your plan of salvation. Your Son came and lived the perfect life of love that neither the Old Testament people nor us could live. Jesus then went to the cross and suffered the punishment for all our sins, for all the ways people rebel against you. Then Jesus gave up his life to destroy death for us; in his resurrection, we have the assurance that we, too, will be raised from the dead.
Lord God, acts of compassion and forgiveness belong to you, and while they are for all, faith in Jesus is the open hand that receives your gift. Lord, send us your Holy Spirit to create and strengthen our faith, and we pray for your forgiveness and compassion today for Jesus’ sake. And because we are confident in the forgiveness you have given us, please give us the confidence to share your act of compassion and forgiveness with someone who does not know Jesus. So that they will know all their rebellious deeds are gone, and they will have saving faith in their Savior. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
When you realize the act of compassion and forgiveness is God’s, you also understand how you receive it is also his way. Throughout his word, he tells us it is by grace that you are saved through faith—faith in Jesus.