Seek to pray

Today I am part of a global round the clock prayer day that stretches over 48 hours because of the various timezones we are crossing. God is doing amazing things around the world and we know greater things are yet to come. As I sit and kneel to pray I am meditating on these verses from this famous chapter of Solomon's famous night encounter with God after the dedication of the newly built temple of God.

2 Chronicles 7:12-14, Then the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Solomon after a long week of dedication and celebration, was probably seeking God in the evening after everyone had returned home. There is no mention of anyone else being there, but as a king he probably had some people waiting on him. God clearly establishes His plans for Israel and how He will respond to the people of Israel's actions or inactions. Challenges are foreseen and when they come all are to humble themselves, pray and seek God, turn from their wicked ways, and God will help them overcome their challenges.

Our problem is that we have a tendency to return to our old ways, or are distracted doing worthless things.

2 Chronicles 7:19-20, “But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods, and worship them, then I will uproot them from My land which I have given them; and this house which I have sanctified for My name I will cast out of My sight, and will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples.

This chapter is rich. Let me never forget that I read it on this special global day of prayer of a ministry that is impacting the world, and is anticipated to accelerate and increase its effectiveness of its impact on the world for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Gospel poverty will be eradicated.

Father, help me understand the time and season for me now. I am looking forward to seeing greater things in the Lord.

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