MAY 10

A Prayer for the Ages

Bible Reading: Daniel 9

Daniel was a man dedicated to prayer.  And his prayer here in Daniel chapter 9 stands as one of the most majestic in all of Scripture.  John MacArthur has commented on this: “I don’t believe it is possible to underestimate the necessity and value of prayer. And the longer we study Scripture, the more we will return to this same theme because it appears all across the Bible. But of all the passages in the Old Testament that relate to prayer, there is perhaps none finer than Daniel 9…it provides for us a majestic model of what prayer is and should be.”

By the time of this prayer Daniel is in his eighties.  There are probably few, if any, who like him still hold precious memories of those days, before the captivity, when his people still lived in their land.  Through all these years he’s held to his faith and stood by his convictions, despite being immersed in a culture of idol-worshippers.  In his heart he yearns for the restoration of his people to their place.  Then he reads in Jeremiah of how God had promised to restore His people after 70 years (Jeremiah 25:11-12).  Daniel reads the prophecy and responds in humility and fervent prayer (Daniel 9:3).  Here are some of the ways in which Daniel’s prayer can serve as a good example to us:

Daniel prayed according to God’s will.  “Thy will be done” is an important element of our prayers (Matthew 6:10).  As a man of faith, Daniel lived with a desire to know and do the will of God.  When Daniel read of God’s plan to restore His people, his response was to pray.  Some might suggest there was no need for Daniel to pray, since God had already sovereignly decreed the matter.  But such an argument fails to realize how God has graciously chosen to work through His people and their prayers (albeit in a mysterious way) to accomplish His plans.  And as Daniel prayed (and Nehemiah, Ezra, and others too), their hearts were increasingly aligned to that which God was doing.

Daniel prayed according to God’s Word.  Daniel had read a promise by God.  He prayed that promise.  How are we to know the will of God?  One way we can ascertain something to be the will of God is if it is confirmed to us by the Word of God.  We do well to pray the promises of God as they relate to various aspects of our Christian lives.

Daniel prayed according to who God is.  Note how Daniel worshiped in his prayer in acknowledging precious truths regarding God’s nature.  He is the great and awesome God!  The God who is faithful and steadfast in His love.  He is righteous, yet merciful. And is the God of truth.  Underlying Daniel’s prayer is an awareness of God’s sovereignty.  Daniel knew Who it was he was praying to.

Daniel prayed confessing their sins.  In confessing their sins, Daniel fully identified himself with his people.  Daniel understood the gravity of their sins and how their rebellion had worked to bring about this calamity.  “We have sinned, we have done wickedly” Daniel prayed (Daniel 9:15).  Confession of sin is an important aspect of our prayers. 

Daniel prayed unto God’s glory.  Daniel understood how rebellion had worked to debilitate God’s chosen people from fulfilling their God-given role of bringing honor to Him.  Instead of bringing glory to God, they had become “a byword among all” who were around them (Daniel 9:16).  Daniel’s prayer was for the restoration of God’s people that God would be glorified through them (Daniel 9:19).  Likewise, we pray “hallowed be Thy name” (Matthew 6:9). 

Daniel prayed for God to act.  Note the intensity of Daniel’s supplication, “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not” (Daniel 9:19).  He prayed fervently and specifically regarding the matter, asking God for an immediate response.  And that’s exactly what God did, sending Gabriel with a message while Daniel was still praying (Daniel 9:21)!  And God responded to Daniel’s prayer in unveiling His plan for the ages (Daniel 9:24-27)!  There’s much instruction and encouragement in prayer we can gain by looking to Daniel’s example.

In Prayer, we Humbly Engage Ourselves in That Which God is Doing

HAVE THINE OWN WAY, LORD

Have Thine own way Lord
Have Thine own way
Thou art the potter I am the clay
Mold me and make me after Thy will
While I am waiting yielded and still

Have Thine own way Lord
Have Thine own way
Search me and try me Master today
Whiter than snow Lord wash me just now
As in Thy presence humbly I bow

Have Thine own way Lord
Have Thine own way
Hold over my being absolute sway
Filled with Thy spirit till all can see
Christ only always living in me

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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