How to Approach God

Daily Reading: Daniel 9

Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. . .We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. (Daniel 9.17-18, NIV)

Devotional Thought: When Jesus taught his disciples how to approach God, he told them not to pray like the Pharisee who spoke boldly, garnering attention for his magnificent words. Jesus told them to note the brokenness of the tax collector who cried out, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” (Luke 18.13, NIV). He ended the parable by explaining that it is the one “who humbles himself [who] will be exalted” (v. 14).

Daniel exemplifies such penitence when he goes before God. Daniel’s desire is that God would end the seventy years of suffering. Though he recognizes that the unfaithful and negligent people are not worthy of this release, Daniel acknowledges that God’s “great mercy” and righteousness can restore them to himself.

Too often, we approach God with a list of requests, as if we are somehow deserving of these things. We might even be so bold as to remind God of the choices we’ve made on his behalf. But throughout scripture, we are told that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father” (James 1.17). Mankind has not earned salvation; instead, we too “have rebelled” (Daniel 9.5). We should approach God with humility, recognizing our need for redemption and our utter dependence on God’s grace.

Following Daniel's very humble and heartfelt prayer, Gabriel came and explained things to him. God is eager to give his people the desires of their hearts; but his Word is clear: His blessings are for those who trust and obey him. So, make it a practice to admit your complete dependence on him and see what transpires.

Libby Newman

Prayer: Oh, God, we thank you for your mercy and kindness. We thank you for your patience and love for us even when we are rebellious. Lord, we acknowledge that we are utterly dependent on you. Teach us your ways. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 69.1-5

1 Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. 

2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me.

3 I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.

4 More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause; mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies. What I did not steal must I now restore?

5 O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you.