Daniel 9:18: "We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy."

This beautiful excerpt from Daniel's prayer on behalf of the Jews exiled in Babylon shows us a profound truth about prayer - that God answers our prayers because of his mercy, not our good works. Many believers think their good works obligate or persuade God to act on their behalf. And while God does call us to live holy lives, it is not our obedience that moves God to answer our prayers, it is his great mercy toward us.