National Day of Prayer

The Temple finally was completed. For 20 years, this project had dominated much of life in Israel.

On that glorious day, Solomon gathered the people before the Temple and blessed them. He reminded them of their history and of how God had called him to build a house for His name.

The king then knelt down and lifted his hands in prayer and worship. As he dedicated the Temple, Solomon asked God to be present. Let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place (v. 20).

When the prayer was finished, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the house (2 Chronicles 7:1). God was clearly pleased with Solomon’s offerings and prayer.

In a psalm titled A Song of Ascents, of Solomon, we read, ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman  keeps awake in vain‘ (Psalm 127:1). Solomon knew this was true for the Temple, but it’s also true for every person, project, home, and nation.

This is true for you as well! On this National Day of Prayer in the United States, commit everything in your life to God. Seek His wisdom and favor. Pray for your nation and its leaders. Pray for churches and pastors. Pray for an outpouring of His Spirit.