Solomon's Prayer

28“When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when enemies besiege them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, 29and when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel—being aware of their afflictions and pains, and spreading out their hands toward this temple— 30then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know the human heart), 31so that they will fear you and walk in obedience to you all the time they live in the land you gave our ancestors.

32“As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when they come and pray toward this temple, 33then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name. (2 Chronicles 6)

Thoughts: Solomon was wise but his crowning achievement was the Temple he built.  He prayed that God would hear- when 1. A decision of judgment had to be made; 2. when they are defeated by their enemies; 3. when there was drought. 4. when famine or plague comes.  5. When a foreigner prays toward the Temple; 6. when the nation goes to war; 7. when the people are punished or exiled because of their sin.   The basic message is when God's people or those who believe as God's people sin- then have mercy, hear and answer their prayer.
    When I went to Jerusalem, I felt God's presence at the Temple western wall than any other place.  I remembered this verse about the foreigner praying toward the Temple.  God hears and cares still today.  Isn't it nice to know- comforting to know- that God is a merciful, forgiving, loving God?

Prayer: When I mess up, O Lord, for the sake of your Son, have mercy on me.