1. A prayer of adoration and praise (12-17)

Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD and prayed on behalf of all God's people. He knelt on the platform and stretched his hands towards heaven. His prayer began with praise and adoration as he declared that there is no one like our God. Our God is faithful to his covenant of love and he keeps all his promises. Solomon's first petition was for God to fulfill his promise to continue the lineage of David forever. Jesus, our Savior and King, is the answer to this prayer.

2. A prayer for grace (18-21)

The temple was a special place. Although it could never contain an infinite God, prayer towards the temple was prayer committed in the name of the Lord. Solomon asked that God would hear the supplications of the king and all God's people when they prayed toward the temple and grant them forgiveness. Forgiveness removes all the barriers between a loving God and his people. It is our greatest need-a need that can only be met by his wonderful grace.


Application: Father, thank you for hearing and forgiving.
One Word: God hears the prayers of his people