Today’s Key Scripture

Now while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God, yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering.”

— Daniel 9:20-21

Did you know that prophecy can be prayed into fulfillment? In fact, there may be times when a prophecy will not come to pass unless we pray it into existence. This is illustrated in the life of Daniel.

Daniel was reading the Word of God when he realized that the Lord had promised the destruction of Jerusalem, yet it had not happened. He declared, “I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem” (Daniel 9:2).

What was Daniel’s response? He stood on the Word and prayed. “Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes” (verse 3).

The prophet Daniel happened to be reading Jeremiah 25 that stated Israel would be in Babylon for seventy years. He realized that this was a promise of God and made the decision to pray prophecy into fulfillment.

The result? Gabriel came to Daniel and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand” (verse 22).

 

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I magnify Your name, because You never fail to keep Your promises and prophecies. I want to know You better. I want to spend more time with You. I want to listen better. I commit to setting aside time during prayer to not only make requests but also to be still and hear what You are saying. I want to hear from You in a fresh new way. Be glorified today through my thoughts, words, and deeds as I spend intimate time with You. I pray this in Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.