Today I read 2 Chronicles 5 and 6, in which they bring the ark into the temple and Solomon’s prayer of dedication is made. Today I considered that God shows up when we praise and worship Him and God grants the prayers of those sincere to Him regardless of where you are located.
God Inhabits Our Praise
Everyone’s coordinated efforts invited God and God responded (2 Chronicles 5:2-6:11). Solomon called all the elders of Israel, leaders of tribes and households to gather while the priests and Levites brought the ark and tabernacle into the temple. King Solomon and the congregation sacrificed unto God. They placed the ark where the cherubim wings covered it. The singers with their instruments sang a coordinated song praising and thanking God. God’s glory filled the house as a cloud. They did everything they should do and God showed up when they were praising and worshiping Him.
Solomon’s Prayer Included All People
Solomon sincerely prayed to God to watch and answer the prayers of all people (2 Chronicles 6:12-42). Solomon built a scaffold and got on it to kneel down and pray to God. Solomon acknowledged God is everywhere. He asked God to watch the temple day and night to hear their prayers and forgive. Solomon asked God to hear the prayers of the liar, Israel when they face the enemy, others facing drought or pestilence, and anyone who prays in the temple even strangers. Solomon asked that even if people face toward the temple in other locations and pray that God hears and answers their prayer. Solomon acknowledges God knows everyone’s hearts and can judge their prayers. No matter where you are in the world, you can pray to God and He can see your heart and respond to your prayer.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Have you or someone you know started thanking and praising God and saw Him show up in extraordinary ways?
No matter where you are, God can hear you. You just have to open your heart to God and pray.