Now an old man in Babylon, Daniel has retained his Jewish identity, shaped by his relationship with God. His prayer here is a response to reading the Scriptures. Its foundation is the promise of the Lord’s word. The promises are not a reason not to pray, but a reason why we should pray. We can claim these promises. Daniel’s prayer begins with a sense of God’s otherness. There is something fearful about it, yet Daniel can call Him “my God”.