Our study through chapter 9 of the book of Daniel led us through one of the most eloquent prayers recorded in the bible. The prayer of confession that Daniel offered God is a thing of beauty. We would all do well to consider this prayer an example. Two buts stand as bookends of this prayer. In verse 7 Daniel confesses "You are righteous but this day we are covered with shame." This is a summary of the specifics that Daniel doesn't withhold. He numbers himself among the guilty--using the word 'we' over and over in laying the sins of the people before God. You also get a sense for Daniel's remorse and contrition where sin is concerned. Then, in verse 18 he winds his petition us with the words, "we do not make requests of you because we are righteous but because of Your great mercy." This sentiment carries through the entire prayer--having begun by noting God is a covenant keeping God, he concludes here--it's all about Your faithfulness.
Don't miss the close cousin to the big but--a couple of big yets, in verses 13 and 14. "All this disaster has come upon us yet we we have not sought the favor of our God by turning from our sins" and "the Lord did not hesitate to bring all this disaster on us... yet we have not obeyed Him" give us an insight into the opportunities for repentance. Within God's judgment there is always an element of mercy--an opportunity to have a change of heart, and to make a change of your ways. God's punishment is not without purpose. He who has begun a good work is faithful to complete it.
May your consideration of these buts and yets bless you in your prayer life this week.
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