Then Solomon stood before the altar of Yahweh in the presence of all of the assembly of Israel, and he spread out his hands to the heavens, and he said, “O Yahweh, God of Israel, there is no god like you in the heavens above or on the earth beneath, keeping the covenant and the loyal love for your servants who are walking before you with all their heart. 1 King 8:22-24 (LEB)
My heart is a little heavy for the Body of Christ right now. I imagine those reading this feel the same. Early this week during my devotional time with the Lord, I read this powerful and rich prayer by king Solomon. I was prompted to read it out loud. This helped my mind connect to the emotion of this prayer to God on behalf of His people.
Solomon had just finished building the temple to the Lord. He dedicated it to Yahweh. He addressed the people of Israel and prayed to the Lord. As I read the tapestry of richness of his rhetoric, I imagined being in the assembly. I pictured participating in this fellowship. I thought about how encouraging and utterly repentant they must have felt.
This king was known for his wisdom. He revered the Lord. He interceded for the people. He plead to the Lord to listen to His people’s prayers. He encouraged the people to walk in His ways. My mind flashed to the meaning behind James 5:16 ” The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective”. We have so much to offer others and God in our prayer time. And it is often the most neglected part of our day.
I pray you have time to read this in its entirety out loud . It will change the way you think about prayer. It humbled me, left me encouraged, and led me to become more fervent in my intercession. I pray we all take prayer more seriously, starting today.
Stay Encouraged.
Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.
Complete Your Calling 