While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the LORD my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.
(Daniel 9:20-23 ESV)
Daniel was nowhere near Jerusalem. Offering sacrifices to God was far from possible. Yet his words, actions and experiences were those of one truly involved in sacrifice to God. He was keenly aware of it begin time for the evening sacrifice at the temple. He was praying when the offering of incense would traditionally be going up to God. He was attentive to what God was trying to say to Him. This is the heart of sacrifice - not some ritual or ceremony, but offering oneself and all one has to God, yet realizing what we really need is to receive from Him and trust in Him.
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