God’s response to Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple can be summarised in one word: “Yes.” God promises here to do the very things that Solomon asked. But Solomon had also asked for the very things that God had previously promised to do for his people. This does not render Solomon’s prayer obsolete. On the contrary it exemplifies the nature and necessity of prayer. The creation mandate that God gave human beings to rule over the earth (Genesis 1:26-28) meant that humans would, from that time on bear the responsibility for the implementation of God’s purpose in the world. This authority meant that God would always act through human agency. The fact that God has promised to do certain things does not therefore render prayer obsolete, as though God will do it anyway whether we pray or not. God implements his purpose through prayer. Notice the condition in God’s response to Solomon. God will answer their prayers if they get on board with his purpose and pray accordingly: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” James likewise says, “You do not have because you do not ask God” (4:2). And then he emphasises the fact that our prayers must be motivated by God’s purposes not our own misguided desires: “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives” (4:3). If you want God to fulfil his promises for you, you must pray.
Ask God to fulfil his promises in those situations that concern you most.
Read 2 Chronicles 7:11-22
