Today you should read: 2 Chronicles 6
After much preparation, 2nd Chronicles 6 records the dedication of the Temple. Solomon first addresses the people. He reminds them of David’s good desire to build a dwelling for the Lord. It was from this desire that we read of the Covenant God made with David in 2nd Samuel 7. Because David loved the Lord, God made him a promise of an eternal throne. David was told that he would not build the Temple, but his son after him. Now, in 2nd Chronicles 6, that promise has become a reality. After addressing the people, Solomon knelt on his knees in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven.
It’s hard for us to imagine the significance of the Temple in the worship of the Lord. It was His dwelling. It was the focal point for Israel’s relationship with God. We especially see this in Solomon’s prayers about praying.
Solomon prays that the Lord’s “eyes may be open day and night toward this house, the place where you have promised to set your name, that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward [the Temple].” He prays that the Lord would hear oaths made at the Temple’s altar. He prays that Israel succeed against their enemies when repenting in the Temple. On and on Solomon prays that the Lord would be with His people in relationship through the Temple.
Ultimately, however, the Temple was temporary. God knew it would be and He was not surprised when the Babylonians later destroyed it. God’s plan was not to dwell in a building, but in the hearts of those with whom He had a relationship. In that sense, Solomon’s prayer teaches us a lot about the worship of the Lord, but the relationship is not in a physical location. You don’t have to go somewhere and meet God, if you’re a believer, God the Holy Spirit lives in you.
Take a few minutes and watch this video.
Spend some time praying today, thanking God for your relationship with Him. Second, ask God how He wants to use you to fill the earth with his presence.
By: Tyler Short — Connections Ministry Associate
God is honored when we intentionally seek Him in prayer. As a church, we want dependent prayer to be something that marks us. Use the comment section to post prayer requests and experiences of how God has answered prayer and/or changed you through prayer! If you would like to be enrolled to get weekly prayer reminders, text @cpclex to 81010.
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