I’m reading and studying the book of Daniel Chapter 9 for our School of Wisdom. The lesson focuses on Daniel’s prayer of confession for Israel’s sins. As he prayed, Daniel acknowledged everything done in the past that caused their exile and captivity. What was remarkable was, although Daniel was not directly involved he included himself in the prayer because it was his nation, and his ancestors.
“Confessing guilt is difficult, but it is an absolute necessity for us.” Think about this. Job also made prayers of confession and sacrifices for his children, because he wasn’t certain if they had. Proverbs 28:13 states, ” He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” [KJV]
How often are the sins of our forefathers, or even this nation included in your prayers of confession? “All have sin and come short”, the Holy Scripture says. I know I forget sometimes to confess the past sins of my family, and seek God’s atonement. Joseph E. Falkner wrote, “children do not bear personal guilt and responsibility for the sins of their ancestors, but they do suffer the consequences.” Sins travel down the timeline. As prayer warriors, and bearers of the message of Christ, shouldn’t we confess the sins of our ancestors, and this nation? The Bible says, if we confess “our sins” he is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [paraphrased]. Daniel’s prayer mentioned Israel’s past rebellion and disobedience.
Aren’t we are living through the timeline of past sins of our forefathers. It is no different today. The issues which plague us today are the cause and result of the same rebellious and disobedient attitudes.
I challenge you to include to prayer of confession for the guilt and sins of your ancestors if you have never done so. We serve a faithful and merciful God. His mercy and love endures through all generations. We may be living through the righteous justice of God, but we will find mercy for those sins when we admit them.
I pray God’s mercy and anointing power to heal those areas from our past, and cover you and this nation with His grace.
Loving God with Excellence 