Title: Insightful Prayer / Topic: Solomon's Understanding

Title: Insightful Prayer / Topic: Solomon's Understanding

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5; Psalm 99; Romans 3

Scripture: 1 Kings 8:27, 38-39, 46, 61
27 "But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!
38 and when a prayer or plea is made by any of your people Israel—each one aware of the afflictions of his own heart, and spreading out his hands toward this temple- 39 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of all men)...
46 "When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin...
61 But your hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time."

Observation: I was really impressed with Solomon's prayer. There are so many deep insights expressed throughout his prayer. Above are a few highlights. First, his understanding of the fact that God cannot be housed in the temple. In fact, Solomon declares that even "the heavens, the highest heaven, cannot contain you." Next is his statement that a truly repentant person starts with his own sin, "each one aware of the afflictions of his own heart..." In verse 39 Solomon states that God alone knows the hearts of all men. In verse 44 he points out the universality of sin in every person. And in verse 61, he instructs the people that 100% commitment is required on an ongoing basis for the nation to succeed long term. Great insights!

Application: Leaders must have insight into God. This comes from two things: study and time spent with God. Unfortunately for Solomon, later in his reign he got away from God, mainly due to his obsession with women which lead to his many wives and concubines. But at this time he was a great role model for leaders. So there is an example of what to do and something to beware of.

Prayer: Lord, I want to be wise and filled with insight into your will and ways. Help me to devote myself to knowing you better and better that I might lead well.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.