Week 10: Daniel 9:20-27

March 13-19

Overview: Last week, we looked into Daniel’s prayer to God for His mercy and forgiveness of the people of Israel as the foretold time of their exile was nearing completion. We have times in our lives when we take significant or urgent matters before God in prayer in this way. But… what then? Sometimes we may be unsure that we’ve prayed rightly and rely on the help of the Holy Spirit in that. Often we don’t know what the will of God would be in a given situation. The joy of praying according to promises God has made, though, is that we can be confident even as we pray that the promise is the answer to the prayer. Still, though, we may be uncertain how or when God’s answer will come. Let’s look at what happened in response to Daniel’s prayer here, and what we might learn from that.

Day 1: Daniel 9:20-27

What does this passage say about God?

What does it say about people?

How does God interact with/relate to people in this text?

Day 2: Daniel 9:20-27

What is one thing that struck you about this passage?

Is anything unclear or confusing to you about this passage?

How do you think the people hearing this passage in that time would have received it?

Pick a favorite verse. Write it out. Look up the definition of the major words in that verse and write how that enhances the impact of the text in your heart.

Day 3: Daniel 9:20-27

How long did it take from the time Daniel ended his prayer until he received an answer? What does that tell us about how Daniel’s prayer was received?

When the angel begins God’s response to Daniel, why does he say he has come on this errand? What does that tell you about the kind of relationship Daniel had with the God of the Universe? Does that suggest to us what might be possible for us?

Daniel receives an answer that looks into the future of God’s redemptive plan. Looking at this prediction, what sense do you have about how much interest God has in the events in our world? Does it seem passive and casual, or active and lively?

What does this suggest about God’s understanding of future events? Does it seem general and hazy, or clear and precise?

Day 4: Daniel 9:20-27

What sins are we being called to avoid?

What commands are we given to obey?

What promises can we claim?

What examples are there to follow?

Any other special truths that stick out to you?

Summarize what you think Daniel is trying to teach the readers of this letter through this week’s reading. Be sure to cover each main point!

Day 5: Daniel 9:20-27

Reread the passage for the week and ask God to give you eyes to see His truth and how He wants it to specifically impact your life.

What do you think God was trying to teach you this week? (Review each day’s notes & mark what stood out to you the most.) And why do you think that?

Keeping in mind what God was trying to teach you this week, what is a SAM application you can make?

S – Specific – What exactly do you want to do?

A – Attainable – Can you accomplish this application in the time frame given?

M – Measurable – Is this something you can track and quantify its progress?

Who can you share with this week what God taught you? What could encourage a believer? What could encourage a nonbeliever?

Sermon Notes:

Disclaimer: “Unless otherwise noted, the overviews and questions were taken in part from smallgroup.com, a curriculum writing division of LifeWay Christian Resources.”