Finally, the Temple of God is completed, and Solomon brings the Ark of the Covenant into the Inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. The cloud filled the temple of the LORD, God is with His people. Hallelujah!

Solomon praised God (v.14-21) emphasizing Gods faithfulness and pleading for God’s forgiveness. God keeps his promises (v.20, 23-24) God kept His promise, His covenant of love to Israel and His promise to David.  God promised and He performed. The temple has been built. God is in the House! God is in the House today!  Like Solomon we can be grateful and praise God for His faithfulness and all He has done in our lives. Without God we will not be where we are.  (1 Cor 6:19-20).

Do we want the same for others?

And then Solomon prays he pleads for forgiveness and mercy. He asks God to forgive the people when they turn to Him. He asks God to hear his prayers, his people’s prayers and finally the prayers of the gentiles, (those far away from God) (v.30 -41). God hears the prayers of His people. God is transcendent and yet available, He is accessible.  He is intimate.  He is close enough to hear you He is just a prayer away. We can never fully comprehend God in all His fullness, but we can apprehend Him in our prayer. 

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Question:

Do you want God to forgive your sins, the sins of your friends, family members, associates, colleagues, strangers and those far away?

Action:

Pray for those far away from God.

Pray for your loved ones

Pray like Solomon. (v.33-39 and 47-50)

Pray and remind God of His promises and desires (Hosea 6:6, Matt 9:13)

Thank Him for fulfilled promises

Seek God’s forgiveness of sin (Ps 79:9, Luke 11:4, 1 John 1:9)

Pray for mercy and repentance knowing that God will forgive (Luke 5:3, 2 Tim 2:25, 2 Pet 3:9)

Pray for a life of obedience.

Remember God’s faithfulness and seek his forgiveness always. (Ps 40:11, Is 16:5)