Elements of True Prayer

The prophet Daniel was a man of integrity. He was also a man of prayer. In chapter 9 of the book named for him, Daniel prays one of the great prayers of the Bible. The John MacArthur study bible outlines several 'elements of true prayer':

True prayer:
1). Is in response to the Word of God (9:2).
2). Is characterized by fervency (9:3).
3). Is also characterized by self-denial (9:4).
4). Is identfied unselfishly with God's people (9:5).
5). Is strengthened by confession (9:5-15).
6). Is dependent upon God's character (9:4,7,9,15).
7). Has God's glory as it's goal (9:16-19).

We would do well to follow the example of Daniel. God's answer to Daniel's prayer is amazing. God gave him the 'Seventy Weeks' prophecy - the window into the rest of history - including end times, which most of us are very much interested in. While we may not get the same kind of answer to our prayers that Daniel received, James tells us that the effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much.