We are now in the first year of Darius the Mede and we get Daniel's prayer here. Note first that it was motivated by an understanding of the Scriptures, in particular Jeremiah. The word given to Jeremiah indicated that the exile would last for seventy years. See that Jeremiah was regarded as the word of God. See also that God has said something will happen, what is Daniel's reaction? It is not fatalistic, rather the word of God, the decree of God, motivates him to action. In this case it is to repent and pray on behalf of the nation. Similarly any "understanding" of pre-destination that leads to fatalism or passivity is deeply flawed and unBiblical "understanding", in fact it is a deep mis-understanding.
Daniel starts by acknowledging the greatness of God and the sinfulness of the nation. The particular sins were to turn away from God's commands and Laws, and to ignore the prophets who spoke in God's name. The books of Kings and Chronicles, and the prophets themselves clearly outline these failings.
Daniel then declares God's righteousness and reminds God that the people are now covered in shame. Daniel also knows that this is a result of sin.
So the judgements that were written in the Law came upon the nation. Daniel knows that God's judgement was totally just, and that even then the people failed to repent.
Daniel then calls on God to show mercy, and to do this for His own sake. God's name was (and is) inextricably linked with Israel.
So there are two strands to Daniel's appeal. The mercy of God and the glory of His name.
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