Today’s passage: 2 Chronicles 6:12-42
Helpful thoughts:
- After addressing the people, Solomon prays to the Lord publicly at the dedication of the Temple.
- The king of Israel showed humility in publicly dropping to his knees and acknowledging the gracious condescension of God to be present in a building made by the hands of men.
- Solomon appeals to God’s promises and asks God to bless the ministry of the Temple. The primary ministry Solomon’s prayer focuses on is the Lord’s hearing and answering the prayers of His people.
Questions to consider:
- What aspects of prayer is Solomon specifically asking about in his petition? What needs, concerns and issues did he anticipate? How was his God-given wisdom shown in these requests? How many of his requests would actually come to pass?
- What does Solomon also acknowledge in verse 36? Did Temple worship display the righteousness of man or was it a place for sinners to remember to cry out to God for forgiveness and reconciliation? Was the Temple a place to make men proud or was it a place for humbled people to rejoice in their merciful, gracious God?
- Why don’t we have to pray toward Jerusalem and the Temple? Where is God and where has he promised to be for His people? What are some passages that come to mind? (Here are a few examples: Matthew 18:20, Matthew 28:20, 1 Corinthians 3:16)