Read 2 Chronicles 6:12-42
Solomon mentioned us in his prayer! Somehow Solomon knew, in all his wisdom, that one day all people of the earth would come to know the one true God. Those that are wise enough to see the truth and sort through all the lies of the world using God’s word as a guide have head start.
In his prayer, Solomon speaks of promises, and justice, and forgiveness. It’s like Solomon was pleading our case before God centuries ago. What a timeless prayer! Solomon shows such honor by giving tribute to God as he does. We can glean so much wisdom from Solomon at this stage in his life.
While we may not all pray in Jerusalem these days, we can at least pray “toward” Jerusalem if we choose to. For me, that would be facing northeast. In both verses 20 and 21, Solomon speaks of praying “toward this place.” I can only imagine he is referring to the Lord’s Temple in Jerusalem. I wonder why it was so important to Solomon to have a prayer “direction.”
If Solomon thought it “wise” to pray like this, maybe we should pay attention. Not only do we look toward God’s presence (i.e. the Temple) in prayer, but Solomon reminds us in this prayer to give God lots of honor and praise. What better way to start out the prayer! Sometimes I find myself getting “lost” in all the praise going on in my prayers. It’s easy to do when you have a lot to be thankful for—life, breath, family, challenges, faith, abundance, peace, etc.
Aside from the heartfelt prayer we just shared from Solomon, did you see where Solomon mentions Jesus, though not by name? Solomon was already thinking of the possibility when he said, “But will God really live on earth among people?” It seems incredulous, doesn’t it, that God could contain himself into the form of a man and live among us. We know him as Jesus. Solomon would only be a distant relative.
We can join Solomon in this prayer for it is ongoing to generations yet to come. Our wild and crazy world needs this prayer more than ever to protect us from the oncoming attacks. It is becoming harder for people to stay true to the one and only God. What does the future hold?
When we feel weak and our faith wavers, even for a second, do this. Simply remember that God shed his divinity to become man while still completely God all for you. That incredulous truth is the base of our faith and complete trust in Jesus and God and the Holy Spirit. All the same. God.
Solomon ends his prayer welcoming God with more praise, but the line that stands out is “may your loyal servants rejoice in your goodness.” That is Solomon’s private prayer for us as loyal servants. Solomon hopes that we, too, will rejoice in God’s goodness. Be sure to do that today. Rejoice in God’s goodness.
Let’s pray. Lord, you are good, and your mercies endure forever. I am always amazed at your great love for me. Thank you for revealing yourself today in this passage. Solomon was truly devoted to you. I pray for those who are far from you, Lord, and don’t know what they are missing. Help them to find you and follow you and use me in whatever way you see fit. Thank you for always equipping me to serve you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
