“He (Solomon) stood on the platform and then knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven. He said…”
2 Chronicles 6:13b-14a
Prayer is so vitally important to a believer’s life and yet it tends to be a seldom-used spiritual discipline for so many of God’s followers. Through heaven-bound supplication we have the opportunity to render commendation and confession. Awe and apprehension. Tribute and trepidation. Praise and petition. Prayer can cover a gamut of emotional joys and distresses, but the underlying belief is that comfort and conviction can only be found in God and God alone. Prayer, therefore, is a means of affirming the understanding that the Lord is Supreme, Sovereign, and Sustainer of this life (earth), and the life that is still to come (eternity).
There are many examples of passionate prayers recorded in Scripture but perhaps one of the most poignant supplications provided in the Bible was proffered by Solomon. 2 Chronicles 6 and its sister passage in 1 Kings 8 document the King of Israel’s plea, which is worthy of reflection and recognition. But the setting must first be briefly explored to appreciate the context of Solomon’s prayer. A long-awaited day had arrived for Israel: the temple's construction was complete. The desire that began with Solomon’s father, David, a desire to move the Ark of the Covenant to a permanent structure (rather than reside in a portable tent), had finally come to fruition. By the time Solomon officially began building the temple it took some seven years to finish it (1 Kings 6:38). This was truly a labor of love that spanned two generations of Hebrew kings.
Realizing the gravity of the situation Solomon prepared a dedication worship service that was replete with sacrifices, singing, and sacred meditation. There is much to glean from the Scriptural chapters surrounding this momentous event in history, but the closing worship prayer that the king yielded is the primary focus of this review. In 1 Kings 8:23-53 and 2 Chronicles 6:14-42 Solomon affectionately spoke to God in a public plea that highlighted the heart of a young man who was deeply influenced by his relationship with God. The king led by example. He fell on his knees and petitioned God aloud, not to bring glory to himself, but to bring glory to God.
Solomon’s prayer-based communication addressed forgiveness, fulfillment, compassion, grace, holy judgment, evangelism, inclusion, and hope. His supplication maintained an overwhelming sense of assurance. The king did not display doubt in God; he displayed certainty. Such is the disposition of one who daily walks steadfastly with the Lord. Solomon’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 6 and 1 Kings 8 addressed the glorious character of God. He pleaded with the Lord to be merciful, especially when the Hebrew people were disobedient. And the King of Israel showed consideration of the neighboring nations of non-Jewish people, and beckoned them to praise God (1 Kings 8:43 and 2 Chronicles 6:43). All in all, this was a world-reaching evangelistic prayer, submitted by an admiration-filled king.
Great care was taken to ensure that the inaugural temple of God service was occupied with adequate praise. Because of Solomon’s solemn adoration and prayer the people of Israel were entrenched in, and inspired by, a spirit of worship. This was a significant occasion, and Israel observed it with tremendous devotion. When people come together prepared to sacrifice to God the Lord does something special. It will likely not be as noticeable as a bolt of fire flashing from the sky to strike an altar as it did in this account (2 Chronicles 7:1), but breaking hearts and stirring souls is just as great. The Israelites rendered two weeks of offerings after the temple was dedicated (2 Chronicles 7:9). Clearly, this was not a come-and-go celebration; it was an “I need to get my life right” kind of consecration. God’s followers could all stand such spiritual awakenings personally, and corporately, from time to time. But such a happening was made possible, in part, because of the poignant, passionate prayer life of a wise, God-focused king.
Solomon’s prayer-based communication addressed forgiveness, fulfillment, compassion, grace, holy judgment, evangelism, inclusion, and hope. His supplication maintained an overwhelming sense of assurance. The king did not display doubt in God; he displayed certainty. Such is the disposition of one who daily walks steadfastly with the Lord. Solomon’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 6 and 1 Kings 8 addressed the glorious character of God. He pleaded with the Lord to be merciful, especially when the Hebrew people were disobedient. And the King of Israel showed consideration of the neighboring nations of non-Jewish people, and beckoned them to praise God (1 Kings 8:43 and 2 Chronicles 6:43). All in all, this was a world-reaching evangelistic prayer, submitted by an admiration-filled king.
Great care was taken to ensure that the inaugural temple of God service was occupied with adequate praise. Because of Solomon’s solemn adoration and prayer the people of Israel were entrenched in, and inspired by, a spirit of worship. This was a significant occasion, and Israel observed it with tremendous devotion. When people come together prepared to sacrifice to God the Lord does something special. It will likely not be as noticeable as a bolt of fire flashing from the sky to strike an altar as it did in this account (2 Chronicles 7:1), but breaking hearts and stirring souls is just as great. The Israelites rendered two weeks of offerings after the temple was dedicated (2 Chronicles 7:9). Clearly, this was not a come-and-go celebration; it was an “I need to get my life right” kind of consecration. God’s followers could all stand such spiritual awakenings personally, and corporately, from time to time. But such a happening was made possible, in part, because of the poignant, passionate prayer life of a wise, God-focused king.
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