30/07/2020
Of Penitential Prayer
When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them (2 Chronicles 6:26)
As observed by R. A. Torrey, American evangelist, pastor, educator, and writer, "Prayer is the key that unlocks all the storehouses of God's infinite grace and power. All that God is, and all that God has, is at the disposal of prayer."
King Solomon was certainly conscious of this truth when he offered the long and powerful dedication prayer at the launch of the temple he built. It will be useful to recall the mood of that occasion. It was a most glorious event that was attended by representatives of all Israel. The ark of the Covenant was set in its permanent place (holy of holies). Innumerable sacrifices were made. Sacred music and praise rented the air as gifted instrumentalists and singers united in worshiping God. It was so moving and glorious that God manifested His presence and power by a cloud that covered the whole temple. It was after this that Solomon went on his knees and with stretched forth arms, offered this inspiring prayer.
In this prayer, Solomon, among other things, interceded for the people and sought God's grace and favour. Mindful of Israel's tendency to relapse into sin and the concomitant divine punishment, he prayed for divine leniency. It is pertinent to observe Solomon's acknowledgment of the link between sin and disaster, defeat and distress. Israel had such a peculiar favour with God that guaranteed for them, preservation, provision, protection and power. The only thing that could make this provision inoperative was sin - rebellion against God.
Solomon recognized the ruinous effects of sin; he also recognized the steadfast love of the Lord that never ceases and therefore appealed to it. Today, a most irresistible prayer is one that comes deep down from a penitent offender seeking pardon
