1st Kings 8:54-66 INTERCESSION AND DEDICATION Prayers of intercession are made when we understand, at least to a degree, the fact that there are problems and issues that arise in the lives of God's people and even nations that are greater than can be solved by men and women alone. Some people need God and don't even know it. We are told to "pray for kings and those in authority" who have the power to influence the course of a nation for good or bad. So in Solomon's prayer for the nation he prayed for several important things that would adversely affect the people if there was no divine intervention. This provides a certain pattern for prayers of intercession that can help us to be consistent with praying in the will of God.
The first request was for the Lord's presence to be with His people, and in that request is implied that they people would be conscious of the presence of the Lord with them [v.57]. There is a purifying effect when we realize that we are not out on our own in this world and that we can have confidence in the outcome of things when we know God is with us in the matter. The second request was that the people of the Lord would have the desire to do God's will in everything they would do. Obedience to God and assurance that what He is wanting from us is our true desire goes beyond mere acquiescence to hearty willingness. There is also a request for the honest desire and ability to do what God wants and act on the decrees that He gives [v.58]. A request for help in daily living [v.59] is a fundamental need in the lives of the Lord's people. Every day we live brings new needs and opportunities that are unique to that place and time. The awareness of God in the situation giving needed guidance places us in the best possible position and condition for success.
Then there was a final request for the message of Lord our God being the Savior of the world, to be declared to the ends of the earth [v.60]. In our day we pray for the preaching of the Gospel message to be successful and prosper wherever it is being proclaimed. That prayer is similar to the fundamental message of "Peace" being told to "all men everywhere" to "repent and believe the Gospel."
Solomon knew that day was a historic day in the life of the nation and what he said and prayed would be an affirmation of the covenants the Lord had made before to Moses, the nation of Israel and to David. Even after there was rest in the land of promise, there was land to be possessed which didn't happen until the reign of David. It was at that time the promises of the covenant were fulfilled because the terms of the covenant were finally met on Israel's part.
Behind the motivation to be faithful and obedient to the Lord, is heartfelt interest on the part of those who desire to serve Him. That which our forbearers experienced and did for the Lord is not what is needed from us. The terms of "covenant living" have to be made and acted upon by ourselves. The people of the whole world are affected by the faithfulness and testimony of those who are truly followers of the Lord. Counterfeit Christianity is rejected as relevant or important by those who expect Christians to show evidence of Christ's teaching and life to be able to be seen in them.
Commitment to the Lord will fill the hearts and minds of His people with a desire to do His will and obey His word. When that is a fact of life in us, it has a far-reaching effect that is far greater than we can imagine. It is not possible to over-emphasize the impact true Christianity lived out day by day in a consistent way, has on those who are still in spiritual darkness. That visible evidence is what makes people sit up and take notice of the reality of our risen Lord. When we reflect Him in the everyday things of life, people can identify with that and hopefully will desire to come to know Him.
The dedication of the temple was a national event that affected the whole nation. Great numbers of people came from all parts of the kingdom for the week-long dedication of the temple, followed by the week-long Feast of Tabernacles. The great number of animals sacrificed were so the whole nation at one time could eat a common meal. Millions of people eating their portion of the sacrifices, were united in their awareness of the Lord God of Israel dwelling in the midst of His people in the new temple. Evidence of His presence was seen by the cloud and there would have been a reverential respect as well as joy at the assurance that God was with them. On the final day the people blessed Solomon and went home with joy and gladness for all that the Lord had done for them. It was on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, "the great day of the feast" the Lord Jesus Christ stood and cried, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." We need to be aware of the fact that we can get used to important things if we forget the One who is important.
1Kings 8:45. “Then hear thou in heaven their prayer and supplication, and maintain their cause.”
HEAR THOU IN HEAVEN. It seems much easier when we have been faithful When we are assured we are acting in His will; When hearts and heads are bowed and we are thankful That we know God in heaven hears us still.
But when there is a problem and we have sinned We often need to again be reassured That after true confession and the trespass is mended Again, when we pray, we are heard.
When times of discouragement, defeat or despair Have taken us prisoner, it still is true – If we stop what we are doing and in heartfelt prayer Turn to our God in heaven; He will answer that prayer too.
There are times when the blessings of life have stopped And we wonder what we can do next – Stop to consider God knows even our thoughts I’m the one who God’s mercy has vexed.
Wrong living brings want; wickedness and grief Many times, we have gone our own way – To forsake sin is right, and sincere repentance we seek God in heaven will hear what we say.
When someone I meet does not know God – Then I can for that person intercede And pray that in some way I can speak of the Lord So, he will become aware of his need.
There are battles to be fought but alone we’d fall If the cause is righteous, God is there to hear When in desperation I then on His name call And find He is there my burden to bear.
I do believe God hears when we pray Whether alone or in a large company – It is a fact to remember that all I say Is heard by Him who hears and also sees.
“Father in heaven, I believe Thou dost hear every word and knows every unexpressed need. I know I don’t express myself as lot, but I thank Thee for the assurance of Thy omniscient wisdom. Not only what I speak, but unspoken requests are here before Thee. May this day be a day of communion with Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”