Daniel 10:8-19

8So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless.

9Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground.

10A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.

11He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.

12Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

13But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.

14Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.”

15While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face toward the ground and was speechless.

16Then one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me, “I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I feel very weak.

17How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.”

18Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength.

19“Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”