DB

Solomon’s Prayer

2 Chron. 6:22-42

“Then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name.”

First, prayer for the peoples (22-31, 34-42). Solomon prayed that the temple might be the place to restore relationships. Because of sin our relationship with God is broken. Solomon prayed for God’s intervention when a neighbor acted wrongly against another neighbor. He prayed that when Israel would be defeated by their enemies that God would hear when they sincerely come to him confessing their sins. He prayed that God would hear those who pray for rain when they confessed his name. The temple is the place where sinners find forgiveness and restoration. Jesus is our temple today. When we come to Jesus, he will forgive us as we confess our sins and call on his name. 

Second, prayer for foreigners. Solomon did not stop with just his own people Israel. He prayed that God would forgive foreigners who come to the temple to pray and confess his name. When foreigners come to the temple confessing God’s name, God is glorified and all peoples will know and fear the Lord. He foresaw the Gentiles coming to God through Jesus. This looks forward to the age of the church. God wants to be our Father.  

Lord, thank you for Jesus my Redeemer. Thank you for being our Father in heaven. I come to you just as I am. Forgive my sins and restore me as your child in Jesus’ name. 

One Word: So that all peoples may fear you!