Praying for Others
"We have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly, and rebelled, even turning aside from Thy commandments and ordinances... We have not listened to Thy servants the prophets... Open shame belongs to us, O LORD... because we have sinned against Thee... Indeed all Israel has transgressed Thy law and turned aside, not obeying Thy voice... Thy people have become a reproach to all those around us" Dan. 9:5-16 In verses 5-16 Daniel identifies with his people and intercedes on their behalf. That's a common practice in Scripture. For example, Moses interceded for the Israelites after they sinned by worshiping the golden calf (Ex. 32:11- 13). All Paul's recorded prayers are intercessions. In Ephesians 6:18 he instructs us to "be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints." In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 he says, "I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings ...