What does Daniel 9:20 mean?

To this point in the passage, Daniel has been praying for Israel's restoration. The fall of Babylon and information recorded in the book of Jeremiah led him to believe the Jewish peoples' captivity was nearly over (Daniel 9:1–2; Jeremiah 29:10–14). Following these leads, Daniel began to pray fervently for Israel (Daniel 9:3–4). This included corporate confession, admitting to the sins of the people of Israel (Daniel 9:5–14). Though Daniel was renowned as a holy and faithful man (Daniel 1:8; 6:5), he was not morally perfect. Here, he specifically mentions his own sin.

Daniel's mentions both speaking and praying. This could refer to both silent and audible prayers, or to speaking to God and then more specifically to interceding, or it could possibly include other forms of worship. He spoke about the desolations that had fallen on God's people and on Jerusalem: the site of "the holy hill" of the temple. He also spoke about the sins God's people had committed despite the warnings given in the Law and the admonitions of the prophets.

Daniel's prayers serve as models for believers today. Believers ought to speak, telling the Lord what is happening in and around them. They should speak about God's righteousness, mercy, and grace. They should speak about their concerns and problems. They should confess their sins, and they should petition God to act in such a way that brings honor and glory to Him. In His teaching about prayer, Jesus told His disciples to revere God's name, to ask for His kingdom to come, and to petition Him for daily bread, forgiveness, and protection from temptation. The apostle Paul counsels us to pray in every situation with supplication, thanksgiving, and requests (Philippians 4:6).