God Speaks
Solomon’s Prayer at the Dedication of the LORD’s Temple and God’s Answer
Verse of the Day: [In response to Solomon’s prayer, the LORD God said,] “. . . if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding 2 Chronicles 6-7: and Psalm 136
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
2 Chronicles 6
1. God wants people to ask Him to keep His eyes open and His ears attentive to their prayers just as Solomon did.
2. People are to be honest and admit to God, “We have sinned, done evil, and acted wickedly. Help us to turn back to You with our whole heart and soul. Please forgive Your people who have sinned.”
2 Chronicles 7
1. God responds to the respectful cries of His repentant people.
2. God promises, “If My people [God’s chosen people–the Jews], who are called by My name [Christ-ians], will humble themselves and pray and seek My face [get close to Him] and turn from their wicked ways [anything that is against or independent of Him], I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and restore [heal] their land [the soil, the people, and the soul of the nation].”
Psalm 136
1. The LORD God created the universe and everything in it; He brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt; He gave them victory over their enemies; He led them into the promised land; He provides for every creature.
2. Therefore, people should give thanks and declare, “His love endures forever.”
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding 2 Chronicles 6-7?
Dear God and Father in Heaven, I humbly ask You to keep Your eyes open and Your ears attentive to the prayers of Your repentant people. You have promised in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If My people [Your chosen people–the Jews], [and those] who are called by My name [Christ-ians], will humble themselves and pray and seek My face [get close to You] and turn from their wicked ways [anything that is against or independent of You, LORD], I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin[s] and heal [restore] their land [the soil, the people–their bodies and souls and their nation].” On behalf of myself and my nation, I humbly and honestly admit to You, LORD God, “We have sinned, done evil, and acted wickedly. Help us to turn back to You with our whole heart and soul. Please forgive Your people for we have sinned. May we each individually and collectively name these specific sins and seek Your direction in correcting these grave affronts to You and Your holiness. LORD God, may my own heart and my nation return to being places where Your name will be honored forever. May we be continually giving thanks to You, our great God. Shunning iving good and God-directed lives is how we can best bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to 2 Chronicles 6-7? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will examine my own life to see where I am saying or doing anything that is against or independent of God.
- I will confess the above to the LORD and at least one other person where appropriate.
- I will ask for the power of the Holy Spirit and take His directed action to change my misbehavior.
- I will encourage others to do the steps above.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.