The Monarchy – Part 8 Solomon’s Prayer I Kings 8:22-53 October 30, 2016
I. A prayer that DESCRIBES GOD. (v.23-26)
After 13 years to build his palace, and 7 years to build the temple, Solomon comes to a
point of completion. As he officially “opens’ the temple, he prays a long prayer of
consecration to God. He kneels before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the
people and says some very important things to God. We can learn a lot from his prayer.
1. If you had to list your top three traits/attributes of God, what would they be and why?
2. Solomon calls God’s covenant with Israel a “covenant of love”. Is that how we
usually think of God’s “agreement” with Israel in the OT? Why or why not?
II. A prayer that VALUES “PLACE”. (v.27-30)
A. GOD doesn’t NEED a “place”. (v.27)
B. But WE often DO. (v.28-30)
Solomon knows that the temple he has built will never serve as a house for God, as if
God could be confined in time and space. But the temple is important. His prayer
shows us why.
3. What places do we have for “God” in our current society? In your own life?
4. How have you benefitted from “places and rituals” in your own spiritual life? How
could you use these aspects more?
III. A PRAYER that understands our NEED… (v.31-53)
A. … for JUSTICE. (v.31-32)
B. … for FORGIVENESS. (v.33-34)
C. … for a NEW CREATION. (v.35-40)
D. … for ETHNIC RECONCILIATION. (v.41-43)
E. … for LEADERSHIP and PROTECTION. (v.44-45)
F. … for RESTORATION. (v.46-51)
G. … for IDENTITY. (v.52-53)
The longest section of the prayer is focused on what the people will need. Solomon has
great wisdom and insight into the needs of humanity. He sees what lies ahead for his
people, and wants God to meet them when they call out to Him in all of these diverse
situations.
5. What are some tangible ways that you can pray and act for justice in your life right
here, right now?
6. How does v.35-40 impact your understanding of the connection between the natural
world of creation and the spiritual realm?
7. v.41-43 expresses a desire for those who are different or foreign to have a
relationship with God as well. Who do you see as different than you or “foreign” and
what are your desires for them?
8. How does our “identity” impact our day to day lives? Why is it important to be
convinced that we belong to God and are His?
IV. To PRAY these PRAYERS…
A. A CLEAR VISION of God. (Ps. 16:8; Col. 1:15)
B. Let JESUS be our “PLACE”. (Col. 1:15-20)
C. Honestly PRESENT our NEEDS to Him. (Phil. 4:6-7)
So how can Solomon’s prayer shape ours? There is a lot to learn here as we watch the
wisest man on earth call out to God. Despite his mistakes throughout his life, when
Solomon spoke to God he spoke honestly and from the heart. It’s a good example for
you and me.
9. What are some of the common “types” that people have when they think of God?
(Grandpa, santa, grumpy old man, dictator, etc.) How does how we view God
impact how we live?
10.In what ways has Jesus been your