Solomon's prayer
“Now then arise, Lord God, to Your resting place,
You and the ark of Your might;
let Your priests, Lord God, be clothed with salvation,
and let Your godly ones rejoice in what is good.” – 2 Chronicles 6:41
After Solomon completed the temple, he stood before the people and prayed. His prayer was not merely about a magnificent building; it was a prayer about a faithful God who hears His people when they turn to and keep their hearts and minds stayed on Him.
Solomon acknowledged something of utmost importance: God is not contained by any building or earthly spectacle.
“But will God really dwell with mankind on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You; how much less this house which I have built!” – 2 Chronicles 6:18
As special and dedicated as the temple was as a place of worship, God’s greatness surpasses any structure, whether or not they have been made in remembrance of Him. He is the Creator who fills all in all, unbound by heaven and earth.
Solomon’s prayer focus then shifts to those who would face different struggles. He prayed for those who sinned and needed forgiveness, those who suffered defeat, those experiencing drought or famine, those up against enemies, and even foreigners who would come seeking God. Again and again, Solomon asked God to hear from heaven, not withhold His grace and mercy, and act according to His wisdom.
We do not pray because God is unaware of our problems and error of our ways; we pray because He invites us to bring our praise, joys, failures, fears, and hopes before Him.
Notice also how Solomon did not ask God simply to give people whatever they wanted. He asked God to respond according to what was right and teach them the good way in which they were to walk (2 Chr 6:27). True prayer is not a call to God to follow our plans; it is a denial of self and total trust in Him.
At the end of the prayer, Solomon asked God to arise and dwell among His people. Far more than beautiful temples or palatial palaces, the people needed God's perpetual presence and abidance.
Our focus on outward things—our achievements, reputation, appearances, possessions, our service in church, etcetera, is all-consuming. But, what exactly is God’s point of view? God looks deeply inward. He wants hearts that seek Him, repent when they stumble, and walk in His ways.
Wherever you pray today, meditate on this: you are speaking to a God who sees, hears, and is all-around. Commit your life to Him, however impressive or otherwise, and the rest will be added unto you.
Discussion questions:
What does Solomon’s prayer teach us about God?
When we pray, do we mostly ask God to give us what we want or need, or do we ask Him to show us what He requires of us as well?
What does it mean to us that God wants His people to walk in “the good way”?
