Today’s Bible reading is a prayer that King Solomon prayed to God at the dedication of the temple. The completion of the temple was a huge milestone and celebration for the Israelites, and the temple dedication marked the fulfillment of promises made and kept over centuries, beginning with Abraham hundreds of years before. The promises had been threatened by famine, slavery, foreign nations opposed to God, and the sinful nature of the people to whom the promises had been given.
And yet, God. God’s commitment and enduring faithfulness cannot be undone by human sin.
Solomon knew that the people would need a common vision for their life moving forward, and he understood it would be God’s faithfulness that would hold the people together. He declares: May God be praised! May God never abandon us. May God give us the will to follow his commands. May God bring justice. May God do all of this so his name will be recognized above all other gods. May God’s people always be faithful and obedient.
Solomon’s prayer is a beautiful vision of what life with God might look like, if God’s people trust their futures to him because of all he has done and agree to live by his decrees, trusting that God will not forsake them. Many years later Jesus would invite all who are weary and carry heavy burdens to trade those burdens for Jesus’ light and easy yoke. He would invite his followers to learn from him, because he is humble and gentle. Solomon’s vision for God’s people is much the same as Jesus’ vision for all who are weary – to come to God, to learn God’s way of life, and live in peace and rest.
Part of this vision for God’s people was a common place of worship and a place for the Lord to dwell among the people, but it was also accepting a way of life that begins with trusting in God’s faithfulness for this generation and for all generations to come!
Prayer
For prayer today, spend some time using the petitions of Solomon’s prayer to talk to God. Begin with the prompts below and then continue to pray in your own words.
Praise the Lord for keeping his promises …
Ask God to go with us in all we do …
Ask God give you the desire to keep his decrees …
May God’s name be glorified and may justice come quickly …
May all people everywhere know of God’s love …
Ask God to keep you walking in faith today …
In Jesus’ name, Amen.