Our God answers our prayers whenever we pray according to His will. In the previous chapter, we see King Solomon dedication prayer and plea (2 Chron. 6:14-31). A divine acceptance of Solomon’s prayer and sacrifices is recorded in today’s reading (Vs.1-3). God’s glory filled the temple and the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD (V2). We see the same in the wilderness while Moses completed the work of the tabernacle- the mighty presence of God came down and dwelt there- Moses couldn’t enter into the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35). Further great sacrifices were offered to God and a vast feast was given. Followed by all this, God appeared to Solomon a second time at night and confirmed to him: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.” (V12)

 

In speaking to Solomon about prayer offered to Him, the Lord wants us to learn a few principles of prayer, from our key verse and why many prayers are not answered—what are the obstructions to receive the blessings God has promised to His children.

 

My People:- The first basis to approach God’s  throne is that we must be His people. In the Old Testament times the position “My people” was intended for a certain group which He called and separated. But today through Jesus Christ it is given to all who come to Him in faith- “But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the children of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). Once we are assured of this position in Him, we can go to the next-

 

Called by My Name: - Through Christ we receive the blessing of being His children, called by His name; it’s the highest privilege anyone can get on this earth and in eternity. “… you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” (Rom.8:15)

 

Humble themselves and pray:- Humbling means obeying His voice and acknowledging His lordship. A genuine prayer can begin from such a heart only; because God always looks into our heart- more that our words, appearance and all the external performance. For such a person who humbles himself, receives the confidence to boldly pray to His Father (Hebrews 4:16).

 

Seek HIS face: - This is an important aspect in our daily lives. The Word of God instructs us to Seek Him always (Psalm 14:2; 27:8; Isaiah 55:6). Whenever we seek Him, he will look upon us, assure us of His presence in our walk. If we are seeking anything other than Him, we may never find His presence in our life and will always experience a “wilderness wandering!”

Turn from their wicked ways:- It means to completely  repent and walk away from the wickedness! The one who repents and turns to Him - He assigns the Holy Spirit into his/her life to guide and to remind to walk in His ways! (John14:26)

 

To such as those who follow the above principles, God confirms– “I will hear from heaven.” (V14) A visible acceptance of the prayer offered by Solomon was witnessed by the entire people who gathered (V1); yet God likes to deal with us personally- to talk to and confirm His acceptance of prayer–which we have prayed according to His will. Glory to His name – Amen!

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To meditate- “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us…” (1 John 5:14)