While I was speaking and praying: this does not refer to two different actions. Compare “while I was speaking in prayer” in the following verse. The two expressions are slightly different, but the meaning is identical. Here, however, it is better to understand the word translated While as meaning “I was still speaking” or something of this nature, focusing on the continuity of the action of the verb. Otherwise this verse will not be a complete sentence.

Confessing my sin: see comments on “confession” in verse 4.

Presenting my supplication: see comments on this expression in verse 18.

The LORD my God: on the use of the first person singular possessive pronoun, see comments on verses 4 and 19 above.

The holy hill: this, of course, refers to the hill on which the Temple was located. But the prophet is not simply praying for the mound of earth. He is praying about the Temple and, in this context, its restoration in particular.

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René & Ellington, John. A Handbook on Daniel. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .