I fear that prayer is, for me, too often a quick afterthought. A quick “Thanks, God, for the meal”, or “Thanks, God, for a new day”. We arrive home and thank God for a safe trip in a prayer that takes only seconds.

None of those are bad prayers … it is quite appropriate and even necessary to be thankful … but none of them are prepared in advance. None of them follow Daniel’s example in preparation and approach to intercessory prayer. “Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.” (Daniel 9:3)

In Bible times, “sackcloth and ashes” were both a symbolic gesture and a physical manifestation of mourning (for sin), humility and repentance. We don’t see much use of sackcloth and ashes in our modern day, but perhaps we would benefit from a more explicit mourning for our sins. I believe that many of us modern-day Christians consider our own sin, and the sins of our community and our nation, far too lightly. This may also lead us to a lack of proper humility before God.

Fasting was another way in which Daniel prepared himself to approach the throne room of the ultimate King, Creator of all. Fasting helped him center his thoughts on his purpose in prayer, and his total dependence upon God for all blessings. Our modern-day churches are often silent on the subject of fasting, although many of the church members could probably benefit from missing a meal or two. How much time and dedication do we put into preparing ourselves to pray?

In Daniel’s prayer, he focuses first on confession: “we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, …” (v. 5) Daniel knew that for intercessory prayer to be effective, he had to humble himself, confess his (and his community’s) sin, and ask first for God’s mercy. Do you realize that God’s mercy is conditional? “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

It can’t be stated much more plainly than that! Humility and repentance are necessary to receive forgiveness and healing.

I’m also struck by Daniel’s acceptance of responsibility for his people’s sin and rebellion. As we read the book, the exemplary life of Daniel is most obvious. He was a righteous man. Yes, he had his own sin to confess, but overall, he was an upstanding example to everyone around him. And yet, he confessed the sin of his people and asked God’s mercy on them.

As 21st century Americans, we’re a pretty independent bunch. I’ll take responsibility for my sin, but you’re on your own for your own sin. Daniel, however, went before God in humble repentance for the sins of the Jewish people. What do you think? Do 21st century Americans have any sins and rebellions that need to be confessed and repented? Will you take the responsibility to pray for your people? Will I?

The prophet Samuel took that even one step further, considering it his sin if he failed to pray for his people: “far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23) Will I avoid the sin of neglect in intercessory prayer by being faithful to pray for my people?