To where did he turn his face?
Ibn Ezra: He faced southwest.
Malbim: He wanted to pray for the Klal, and needed to prepare himself, so his Tefilah would be accepted for the Klal. The first was to ask Hashem to give to him Ma'ane Lashon (ability to speak properly) ? "Levakesh Tefilah v'Sachanunim." This is the first request of a Shali'ach Tzibur ? "Hashem Sefasai Tiftach."
Why did he say "Hashem Elokim"?
Ibn Ezra: In truth, only He is Elokim 1 .
This is clear to anyone who accepts Torah. Why did he need to say so here? (PF)
Why did Daniel [pray,] fast and wear sackcloth?
Malbim: This was another preparation so his Tefilah would be accepted for the Klal.
Malbim (2): Daniel thought that the first time (70 years from Malchus Bavel) was if they will merit, and the second (70 years from Churban Yerushalayim) depends only on time, like Chazal said if we merit, Achishenah (I will hasten it); if we do not merit, it will be b'Ito (in its time). He wanted to speed it via merits.
Malbim (2, citing Mahari): When Daniel saw the vision that Galus will endure 2300 years, he thought that Hashem retracted from the promise to Yirmeyah due to the nations' sins - "v'Tzava Tinasen Al ha'Tamid b'Fasha" (8:12). He prayed to turn back anger and return the promise.
