Paul had a prayer for the Philippians. He asked God for two things. First, that they might have abundant overflowing love. Secondly, that their knowledge might increase with greater insight into Jesus Christ. Thus, in the day of Christ, the end times, they might be pure and blameless. They would then produce a harvest of righteousness through Jesus Christ.
the prayer
Gabriel speaks to Daniel (Dan 9:22-9:23)
“Gabriel came.
He said to me.
‘Daniel!
I have now come out
To give you wisdom,
To give you understanding.
At the beginning
Of your supplications,
A word went out.
I have come
To declare it.
You are greatly beloved.
Thus,
Consider the word!
Understand the vision!”
Gabriel had heard the prayer and supplications that Daniel had made to God. Thus, that this was the Angel Gabriel is not out of place, especially based on the last chapter. This Gabriel said to Daniel that he had come to give him wisdom and understanding. Something that he had said at the beginning of his prayers and supplications needed a further explanation. There was no doubt that Daniel was greatly loved. However, he had to consider the words and vision that was about to take place.
Divine justice (Sir 35:13-35:21)
“The Lord is the one
Who repays.
He will repay you sevenfold.
Do not offer him a bribe!
He will not accept it.
Do not rely
On a dishonest sacrifice!
The Lord is the judge.
There is no partiality
With him.
He will not show partiality
To the poor.
He will listen to the prayer
Of one who is wronged.
He will not ignore
The supplication of the orphan.
He will not ignore
The widow
When she pours out her complains.
Do not the tears of the widow
Run down her cheek?
She cries out against those
Who have caused her to fall.
The one whose service
Is pleasing to the Lord
Will be accepted.
His prayer will reach
To the clouds.
The prayer of the humble
Pierces the clouds.
It will not rest
Until it reaches its goal.
It will not desist
Until the Most High responds.
He does justice
For the righteous.
He executes judgment.”
Sirach reminds us that the Lord repays us justly. No bribe or dishonest sacrifice will change his mind. The Lord is a judge without partiality. He listens to the prayer of those who have been wronged. He does not ignore orphans and especially crying widows who are complaining. He does accept the pleasing service of those whose prayers will go up to heaven. The prayers of the humble will pierce the clouds. They will not rest until they reach the Most High God who will respond with a righteous just judgment.
A hymn of praise to Yahweh (Ps 102:12-102:17)
“Yahweh!
You are enthroned forever.
Your name endures to all generations.
You wilt rise up.
You will have compassion on Zion.
It is time to favor it.
The appointed time has come.
Your servants hold its stones dear.
Have pity on its dust.
The nations will fear the name of Yahweh.
All the kings of the earth fear your glory.
Yahweh will build up Zion.
He will appear in his glory.
He will regard the prayer of the destitute.
He will not despise their prayer.”
There is this beautiful hymn to Yahweh, who is enthroned as king forever. His name will endure through all generations. He will rise up and have compassion on Zion, his holy city and temple. The appointed time has come. His servants hold its stones holy. Yahweh should have pity on its dust. All the countries and kings would fear the name and glory of Yahweh. Yahweh would rebuild Zion and appear in all his glory. He has regard for the prayer of the destitute and will not despise their prayers.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 