We say many things to God - in our prayers or in church when we worship God in hymns. Sometimes we may not even give much heed to what we are saying to God. But if God were to reply to us, how special that would be!
In today’s chapter, we see how God replies Solomon after his prayer at the temple dedication. Let us reflect on our own attitudes towards prayer and communication with God.
God is listening
In 2 Chronicles 7:12-16, we see God telling Solomon that He has heard Solomon’s prayer and even repeats a condensed version of Solomon’s prayer back to him.
Pause and imagine this for a bit. If God were to list all the things we thought and said in the last prayer we made to Him, what would we find in this list?
Do we even remember what we prayed? Would we stand by everything that we said and say Amen to it? Or would we be embarrassed by some of the contents of our prayer?
Oftentimes, I realise that I am not conscientious of all the words I speak to God. It is all too easy to sing hymns without reflecting on whether we mean what we say, and to let our minds wander in prayers or even treat prayers as if we were processing our thoughts by ourselves.
An example that comes to mind is Job. In his conversations with his friends, Job said many things about God. But the moment God challenged Job to stand by what he said (Job 40:1-2), Job quickly realised how foolish he had been.
Let’s remind ourselves when we come before God that we are in the presence of the King of Kings, and He hears and remembers our every word.
“As for You”
Solomon had just completed his father’s legacy in a project that consumed his last 7 years. What was he to do after this? It’s all too easy to fall into complacency after doing something great for God or experiencing a spiritual “high”, and God knows it too.
God spelt it out clearly in what he told Solomon next. Walk before the Lord like David his father and his throne would be established, but disobey and Israel would be in trouble.
So God was not there only to grant wishes. He had requirements for Solomon too.
Now think about our own prayers again. There are likely many things we ask of God, but do we also think of what God asks of us instead?
God may not appear to us in a dream as He did with Solomon, but He speaks to us through His words - in the Bible or in sermons - to remind us of what He expects His children to do.
Reflection questions
What did you say to God in your latest prayer? Do you say Amen to all of it?
Do you pray to fulfill God’s will in your daily life? What is something you think God wants you to do right now?
