When the temple was completed, all the elders and Levites brought the ark of the covenant, the tent of meeting, and the holy vessels before King Solomon and the assembly of Israel. They sacrificed sheep and oxen–too many to number–before the ark. Then the priests placed the ark in the Holy Place.
When they came out of the Holy Place, all the Levitical singers, arrayed with fine linen and carrying harps, cymbals, and lyres praised the Lord in unison with 120 trumpeters.
“For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,” the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God. 2 Chronicles 5:13-14
Solomon climbed the 7 1/2 foot bronze platform in the new temple court, knelt in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven.
O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart, who have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. 2 Chronicles 6:14-15
God kept His promise to David. Perhaps, looking at the temple he had built, Solomon cries out.
“But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built!” 2 Chronicles 6:18
Solomon prayed that God would hear His people when they prayed and forgive them when they turned from God and repented.
“And now arise, O LORD God, and go to your resting place,
you and the ark of your might.
Let your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation,
and let your saints rejoice in your goodness.
O LORD God, do not turn away the face of your anointed one!
Remember your steadfast love for David your servant.” 2 Chronicles 6:41-42
Fire fell from heaven and consumed the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple, so that the priests couldn’t enter the temple.
Prayer Points to Live By
- Praising God. “Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 106:1
- Recounting the works of the Lord. “Lord, you have been our dwelling place
in all generations. Psalm 90 - Requesting forgiveness. “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
- Asking for blessing. “In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you.” Exodus 20:24
- Praying for God’s presence. “But you have upheld me because of my integrity,
and set me in your presence forever.” Psalm 41:12
What if God’s people who are called by His name praised Him, recited His work in their lives, requested forgiveness, asked for blessing, and prayed for His presence in their lives?
Do you suppose the fire of the Holy Spirit would fall afresh upon
God’s people with the power of His glory?
My prayer
Father in Heaven, Lord of the Universe, Maker of Heaven and Earth, Your people who are called by Your name praise You for all the works You have done. We honor You and thank You for the great and precious promises You have fulfilled in our lives. You are great and mighty. Your goodness is beyond our imagination. Forgive Your people for turning away from You. We turn from our ways, and we turn to You. Forgive us, Lord. Dwell among us, and make Your presence known to us. Lord, fill us with Your power, and lead us in Your ways. We lift up our hands to heaven in praise of You, our Loving Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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that have helped you in your prayer life.
Related Post – The Temple – Promise
