In our church Bible Study, we have found that the book of Daniel is challenging and encouraging at the same time.

In Daniel 9:23, the angel, Gabriel, said these words to Daniel: “At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.”

The answer to Daniel’s prayer was granted and set in motion as soon as he began to pray. God had already responded before Daniel knew it.

Even though there are times that God responds before we realize it, let’s keep persevering in prayer anyway! Praying helps us to align our requests with the will of God as we spend time talking and listening to Him. And God wants to hear from us! God created us for a relationship with Him, and prayer is a beautiful part of that. 

I confess certain thoughts might cross my mind when I am not sensing an answer to prayer: He has forgotten about me, my dreams and desires don’t matter to Him, or He isn’t listening. But those thoughts just aren’t true. So a perspective shift reminds me that He is indeed working behind the scenes, and it is already taken care of. I just need to rest, keep communicating with Him in prayer, and watch the answer play out in His time and His way.

Oh, and did you catch the other part of the verse above? The angel told Daniel He was greatly loved. I’m sure Daniel already knew that, but our God is an awesome God who tenderly reassures us of His love.

Daniel 9:23 is a great reminder to continue praying confidently to the God who loves us beyond measure. ❤️