. . . 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. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. — 2 Chronicles 7:14-15
One of the most festive and monumental celebrations in all of the Old Testament took place at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple in 935 BC in Jerusalem. It had taken King Solomon seven years to complete the most magnificent building ever constructed in Israel. 153,600 laborers, artisans and overseers were involved in the project.
When at its completion, the Ark of the Convenant was brought up out of the city of David to take its place in the Temple, it also marked the beginning of the Feast of Tabernacles. All of the elders, Levites and the entire congregation of Israel were present. They brought so many sacrifices of sheep and oxen that they could not be counted. Then, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, the people raised their voices and praised the Lord together with these words:
“He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” (See Psalm 136).
At that very moment we are told that a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord and the priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God (2 Chronicles 5). The Shekinah glory had arrived!
But that was just the beginning. When all was in place, King Solomon stood on a platform in the presence of all the people before the altar of sacrifice. He then knelt down on his knees, spread out his hands and began to pray one of the most beautiful prayers recorded in all of Scripture (2 Chronicles 6).
When he had finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the Lord again filled the Temple. The priests could not enter it because His glorious presence filled it. When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying again, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” (2 Chronicles 7:1-3). Then the people, themselves full of the glory of the Lord, returned to their homes as the dedication of the Temple and the Feast of Tabernacles concluded. What a prayer meeting!
After all the people were gone and the final touches had been completed on the Temple, God quietly spoke to Solomon in the night with one of the most outstanding promises on prayer in all of Scripture. It is one of the most often cited truths in the whole Bible. It has become the theme of prayer events throughout the world and it is as relevant today as it was when spoken by the Lord almost three thousand years ago.
It begins with, “IF my people . . . and concludes with THEN I will . . . (2 Chronicles 7:14-15). Many of you know it by heart. Simply stated, the Lord reveals unequivocably that IF the conditions he lays out for His people are met, THEN His promises to them will also be met. Here they are:
IF . . . (Conditions)
- My people who are called by my name . . .
- Will humble themselves . . .
- And pray and seek my face . . .
- And turn from their wicked ways . . .
THEN . . . (Promises)
- I will hear from heaven . . .
- And forgive their sins . . .
- And restore their lands . . .
- I will be attentive to every future prayer . . .
In other words, if we as God’s people will simply do what He asks us to do, THEN He will do what He has promised (and maybe a little fire will come down in the process)! Or how about a little shaking (Acts 4:29-30)?
This is why we gather together at Heights Christian Church for corporate prayer at 7 PM on the first Wednesday of every month. We are inviting all of you to join us for our next evening of prayer on February 4, 2015. If we will do our part, God has promised to do His—and we have so much to pray about and for which to repent.
Be devoted to prayer — pray without ceasing — pray about everything.
