Prayer For Restoration

Walk with God | May 21, 2025

Season 19: The Power of Prayer

Show Notes

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Daniel was a man dedicated to prayer. In previous lessons, we have examined two other instances when Daniel turned to the Lord and sought His wisdom and counsel. He was not afraid of the king; rather, he chose to continue his regular daily practice: “I will pray to the Lord three times each day.”

“I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So, I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” Daniel 9:2-3

In the following sixteen verses, Daniel associates himself with the people of Israel and confesses their sin and disobedience. He acknowledges the greatness, lovingkindness, and mercy of the Lord.

“Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, Lord, look with favor on Your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, our God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your Name. We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act!” Daniel 9:17-19

Daniel cried out with fervent prayer to the Lord on behalf of his people. He has provided a powerful example of prayer for each of us.

Show Notes

Scripture: Daniel 9 – Lesson #2

SHOW NOTES:

Daniel was a man of prayer and set a godly example for us. He studied the historical scriptures and prayed to the Lord faithfully every day.

He approaches the Lord based on God’s loyal, covenant-keeping hesed love, which promised a covenant relationship with Israel. In chapter nine, Daniel confesses both his sin and the sins of Israel to the Lord. Israel had transgressed against the law of the Lord and refused to obey His commands.

While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice.

– Daniel 9:20-21

“The man Gabriel” suggests that this mighty archangel appeared in a human-like form and spoke to Daniel clearly, as one man speaks to another. Gabriel serves as a messenger from God, delivering messages and explanations to Daniel.

He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. 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.

– Daniel 9:22-23

Gabriel conveys a message filled with hope and promise. He assures Daniel of God’s great love and pledges to provide him with insight and understanding.

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Show Notes

Scripture: Jonah 2

SHOW NOTES:

In the book of Jonah, we learn about God’s assignment for His prophet, Jonah. He was to go to the wicked people of Nineveh and proclaim God’s impending judgment upon them. Jonah decided to flee from God, so he boarded a boat in Joppa and set sail toward Tarshish. God sent a violent storm upon the sea, and the pagan sailors hurled Jonah into the turbulent waters.

And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

– Jonah 1:17

The Lord rescued Jonah from drowning. A great fish swallowed him, and Jonah sat in its belly for three days and three nights. During that time, he must have engaged in a lot of soul-searching and reflection about his decision to disobey God. He began to pray and call out to the Lord.

I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.

– Jonah 2:2

We can always pray to God – at any time and in any place. He wants to listen to us. We can cry out from the deep pit of disobedience and rebellion.

When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you.

– Jonah 2:7

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Show Notes

Scripture: Job 42:1-9

SHOW NOTES:

You might be familiar with the story of Job in the Old Testament. This man faced profound loss and suffering, and in chapter 42, Job makes a heartfelt confession of his folly.

Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”

– Job 42:1-2

Job acknowledges that he spoke without knowledge and understanding. He now holds a deeper spiritual insight. He views both God and himself more realistically. Job had previously expressed remorse for his losses, but now he mourns his sins. He has changed his mind and released his rebellious pride and arrogance toward God.

I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore, I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

– Job 42:5-6

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Show Notes

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4-7; 2:20; 9:1-6

SHOW NOTES:

An inspired leader, Nehemiah, served as King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer in Persia when an envoy delivered the report of Jerusalem’s distress. Nehemiah’s initial response to the discouraging news about Jerusalem’s condition was emotional. He then turned his face to the Lord and cried out in prayer.

When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people, Israel.”

– Nehemiah 1:4-6

However, the enemies surrounding Jerusalem tried to discourage, mock, and deny their right to the city. Nehemiah responded with firm confidence in the God of heaven and reported that the people in Jerusalem would start rebuilding the wall.

We conclude this lesson with the prayer in Chapter Nine. This is one of the great prayers of the Old Testament. It praises God for His character and His conduct.

“Stand up and praise the Lord your God, for he lives from everlasting to everlasting!”

Then they prayed: “May your glorious name be praised! May it be exalted above all blessing and praise! You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you.”

– Nehemiah 9:5-6

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Show Notes

Scripture: Luke 1:39-55

SHOW NOTES:

Two women, cousins, were brought together by God’s sovereign plan. In Luke 1, the young betrothed Mary quickly travels to the home of Elizabeth and stays with her for three months. Elizabeth welcomes her with words of blessing.

And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb.

And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”

– Luke 1:41-42

The word ‘blessed’ means to be especially favored because of God’s grace. Mary was most blessed because her Son would be blessed, and He is the greatest blessing ever given to all people.

Mary visited Elizabeth, an older, godly woman. Their time together was filled with praise and prayer. Elizabeth shared wise words, comfort, and encouragement. Mary gave glory to God for His power, holiness, and mercy.

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant.”

– Luke 1:46-48

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