As I look at the prayer Solomon prayed for the dedication of the temple, I see many things we should be praying about our own lives as the temple of God.
One thing Solomon prayed is that the temple would be a place of justice. (1 Kings 8:31-32).
He prayed that when two people came before God with a dispute, that justice would be done.
In the same way, our lives should be so godly that people can trust our judgment. And when they come to us with a dispute, we should be praying that God gives us his wisdom to deal with the situation.
Another thing he prayed was that if the people sinned and were suffering as a result, that God would hear them when they repented, and forgive and restore them (1 Kings 8’33-36; 46-51).
In the same way, though we are God’s temple, we too sin.
As Solomon said, “There is no one who does not sin.” (46).
And so when we recognize our sin, we need to come humbly before him asking for his forgiveness, and turn from our sins.
Solomon continued by asking that God would hear his people when they prayed in times of disaster. (1 Kings 8:37-40)
He may have been thinking that this was a result of their sin as well, but sometimes these disasters also come as a result of a broken world, rather than sin.
And Solomon prayed that in the midst of that, God would hear the cries of his people and heal them.
We too, face times of trouble, not all of our own doing. And so in those times too, we should ask God for his healing in our lives.
Solomon then prayed that when foreigners came to the temple and prayed because they had heard about God’s fame, that God would hear their prayers so that they might come to fear him and spread knowledge of him among their own people (1 Kings 8:41-43).
In the same way, people who don’t know Christ should see a difference in us, and because of that, they will sometimes ask us to pray for them.
During those times, we need to pray that God would answer those prayers so that they might see that he is indeed real, fear him and love him, and then take their newfound relationship with him to the people around them.
Solomon’s next request was that in times of war, that God would be their help. (1 Kings 8:44-45)
We too face wars in our lives. But our battle is not against flesh and blood.
Rather, according to Paul, our fight is against spiritual forces in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)
And so we need to be praying that God would help us fight against these forces. As we battle temptation, as we take his gospel into enemy territory, we should be praying for victory in our lives.
Finally, a more general prayer. That God’s eyes would be open toward the temple day and night, and that he would hear our prayers. (1 Kings 8:29-30; 52-53)
Lord, as your temple, I pray all these things.
I pray that my life would be such a light that people would come to me when they need wisdom, and that I could give them the wisdom that comes from you.
I pray that when people who don’t know you see your light in me and ask your prayer, that you would answer those prayers that they might be drawn to you, and in turn spread your love to those that are around them.
Lord, I pray that when I sin, that you would forgive me. You know how often I fall. Please purify me from all sin that would stain this temple.
And as I fight this spiritual war, I pray that you would be my sword and shield. Help me make a difference for your kingdom.
Lord, may your eyes be open to me day and night. Hear my prayers, O Lord.
Now, arise, and come to your resting place within me, you and the power of the covenant, based not on the law, but on the blood of Jesus Christ.
May your resurrection power dwell within me.
May we your priests be clothed with your salvation, and may your saints rejoice in your goodness.
For you have singled us out to be your inheritance, bringing us out of the dominion of darkness into your marvelous light.
Do not reject us, whom you have anointed with your Spirit.
And remember your love that you promised to us forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 