God’s Renewing Word of Prayer
Introduction
2 Chronicles 6:22-42: Solomon continues to ask God to hear the prayers of the people and to deal with the people favorably if they repent and pray. Today’s reading marks the conclusion of Solomon’s prayer and a plea for God to remember God’s love for David.
Scripture Reading
22“When people are accused of wronging others and are brought to your altar in this Temple to take an oath that they are innocent, 23O Lord, listen in heaven and judge your servants. Punish the guilty ones as they deserve and acquit the innocent.
24“When your people Israel are defeated by their enemies because they have sinned against you and then when they turn to you and come to this Temple, humbly praying to you for forgiveness, 25listen to them in heaven. Forgive the sins of your people and bring them back to the land which you gave to them and to their ancestors.
26“When you hold back the rain because your people have sinned against you and then when they repent and face this Temple, humbly praying to you, 27O Lord, listen to them in heaven and forgive the sins of your servants, the people of Israel, and teach them to do what is right. Then, O Lord, send rain on this land of yours, which you gave to your people as a permanent possession.
28“When there is famine in the land or an epidemic or the crops are destroyed by scorching winds or swarms of locusts, or when your people are attacked by their enemies, or when there is disease or sickness among them, 29listen to their prayers. If any of your people Israel, out of heartfelt sorrow, stretch out their hands in prayer toward this Temple, 30hear their prayer. Listen to them in your home in heaven and forgive them. You alone know the thoughts of the human heart. Deal with each of us as we deserve, 31so that your people may honor you and obey you all the time they live in the land which you gave to our ancestors.
32“When foreigners who live in a distant land hear how great and powerful you are and how you are always ready to act, and then they come to pray at this Temple, 33listen to their prayers. In heaven, where you live, hear them and do what they ask you to do, so that all the peoples of the world may know you and obey you, as your people Israel do. Then they will know that this Temple I have built is where you are to be worshiped.
34“When you command your people to go into battle against their enemies and they pray to you, wherever they are, facing this city which you have chosen and this Temple which I have built for you, 35listen to their prayers. Hear them in heaven and give them victory.
36“When your people sin against you—and there is no one who does not sin—and in your anger you let their enemies defeat them and take them as prisoners to some other land, even if that land is far away, 37listen to your people’s prayers. If there in that land they repent and pray to you, confessing how sinful and wicked they have been, hear their prayers, O Lord. 38If in that land they truly and sincerely repent and pray to you as they face toward this land which you gave to our ancestors, this city which you have chosen, and this Temple which I have built for you, 39then listen to their prayers. In your home in heaven hear them and be merciful to them and forgive all the sins of your people.
40“Now, O my God, look on us and listen to the prayers offered in this place. 41 Rise up now, Lord God, and with the Covenant Box, the symbol of your power, enter the Temple and stay here forever. Bless your priests in all they do, and may all your people be happy because of your goodness to them. 42Lord God, do not reject the king you have chosen. Remember the love you had for your servant David.”
Today’s Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 6:40
[Solomon prayed:] “Now, O my God, look on us and listen to the prayers offered in this place.”
Reflect
Why do you think Solomon places so much emphasis on repentance and prayer? How would you describe the prayer life within your community of faith? When you pray today, what will you ask of God?
Pray
Merciful God, look on us with your favor and hear our prayers. I trust in your love and that you listen when I pray. You alone know the thoughts of my heart. I repent of my sins and seek your forgiveness. May all I do this day give honor and glory to you. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
2 Chronicles 7:1-10: Solomon dedicates the Temple to the LORD.