Daniel 9:3
And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.
Reflection: Sermon Notes… Set my face
Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro
I mentioned my dog Oliver, and his habit to watch me as I eat. I mentioned it in relationship to the King James Version’s translation of “set my face.”The [BK1] New American Standard Version says, “gave my attention” whereas the New International Version says, “turned to the Lord.” I love all these translations as they give different flavor to the verse. However, as much as I like the New American Standard, “gave my attention” is not the same thing as “set my face.” Of course, “set my face” is perhaps archaic and potentially makes little sense to a modern audience… but it is a literal translation, and (I would argue) is colorfully clear!
I have set my face to tasks before. A few years ago, I set my face to redo the basement in my previous home. I worked tirelessly to finish the basement, working hour upon hour. It took me weeks and weeks, learning and doing the work of a novice contractor on my own. It turned out wonderfully, as I was dedicated to getting the chore behind me. There are not many times in my life that I have so relentlessly tried to accomplish something. I set my face to the task. And so, we should do with prayer and fasting. I am rather convinced (maybe more so than usual) that the Lord is calling this church, our church, to this work… a season of prayer and fasting. We should do so laser focused as we wait on the Lord to accomplish his work in Lynchburg!
Prayer
Lord, may we be laser focused as we seek you in prayer and fasting. Guide us, Spirit of God, into what we should pray and guide us in this process.
[BK1]Should be The, remove In
