Do we take the power of prayer seriously? Do we take God’s prophecy seriously? Daniel chapter 9 gives us great insight into both of these issues. Let’s set the context of this chapter.

This occurred in the first year of Darius, son of Xerxes (a Mede by descent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian kingdom.
Daniel was approximately 80 years old in the first year of Darius’ reign.
Let’s not forget that God disciplined Israel for their disobedience, and the Babylonians invaded Israel and took them captive, destroyed Jerusalem, and forced many to exile in Babylonia.
What happens next is so beautiful; it is worth learning and applying these lessons to today’s situation.