Day 113

By
Solomon's Splendors

Scripture

April 22—2 Chronicles 6-9: Solomon's Worship and Wealth

Observation

The temple constructed now becomes the temple consecrated as Solomon inaugurates the worship services with a moving prayer of dedication. In it he commits himself and the nation to a faithful observance of God's laws. By night God appears to Solomon to make a conditional covenant with him: If he will walk in the steps of his father David, God will establish Solomon's dynasty forever.

Application

Take two minutes to think about this sentence, then complete it: "The most important thing I can do today to help reverse the spiritual decline in my nation is..."—Pray!

Ours is a society marked by activism—interest groups lobbying and laboring for their particular point of view. And perhaps the first response you thought of was to join a righteous cause.

But today's reading suggests an even more important first step: to start with a righteous pause. Before you let your voice be heard for God, let your voice be heard by God.

Solomon's prayer of dedication over the new temple is a plea for God's intervention in the affairs of his nation. Eight times Solomon asks God to hear the repentant cry of his people, forgive their wicked ways, and restore their fortunes. Imagine Solomon's delight when the Lord appears to tell him, "I have heard your prayer" (7:12)!

Prayer is the most powerful and yet unfortunately the most neglected weapon in the Christian's arsenal. Let your life be an exception to that rule today. Close your time in God's Word today in prayer. Ask God to restore righteousness to the Congress, Courts, and congregations of America. And let it begin with us.

Prayer

Oh Lord, we know we are living a lie when we pray to you but we do not rely on you after we pray. God we believe your Word that if we turn from our wicked ways and pray you will heal the land. Heal our land oh Lord. In Jesus name we pray!

Praying is Power!






© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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