Daily Devotion: Because You Prayed

Scripture:
2 Chronicles 7: 1-22

Main Verse:
2 Chronicles 7:14
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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Observation:
King Solomon had it in his mind to complete the temple of the Lord so that the Israelites may have a place where they can worship the Lord and bring offerings to Him. After the temple's completion, Solomon had it dedicated and he and the people offered their sacrifices. The Lord appeared to Solomon, which could mean that the Lord was pleased with the temple and their burnt offerings. The Lord was not merely happy with the offering; He heard Solomon's prayer (v. 12) because he desired to honor and serve Him. The Lord wanted the Israelites to offer their prayers in the temple because He wanted them to come to Him, lay their requests at the Lord's feet, and  confidently acknowledge that the Lord will grant their requests.

Application:

Not all prayers are the same. You probably pray a lot but wonder why the Lord does not answer your prayers. I think it's time we examine our hearts. When we pray, let us get rid of any selfish motives. When Jabez prayed to the Lord, the Lord gave an immediate answer: "And God granted his request." I believe the Lord heard Jabez and King Solomon's prayers because they were not self-serving and self-centered, and they had the purest intentions in their hearts. Likewise, if there is any unconfessed sin, we must immediately ask the Lord for forgiveness. Sin separates us from God. When we sin, the Lord cannot work in our lives. Finally, if we have been harboring resentment towards anyone, we need to let go of this, unload our hearts, and forgive and forget. In Mark 11: 25, Jesus reminds us that "when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Wouldn't it be a joy if the Lord granted our prayers?

Prayer:
Father, forgive me for my shortcomings and failures in my prayer life. Thank you for always tapping my shoulder and for telling me how I can better serve you, how I can become a better follower in your sight. I pray, Lord, that you examine my heart for any unconfessed sins, a proud heart, or any selfish intentions. Cleanse me, Lord, and make me acceptable in your sight, so that my prayers may reach your Holiest place. In Jesus's name I pray. AMEN.