““…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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:13-14, NIV)
This is America’s favorite Scripture in times of trouble or decision. War? Quote 2 Chronicles 7:13-14. Election? Quote 2 Chronicles 7:13-14. And well we should…it is a wonderful promise from God.
But what we often fail to notice is the context of this promise. God made the promise to King Solomon and the people of Israel as they dedicated the newly constructed temple. The beautiful promise continues in the next verse: “Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.” (2 Chronicles 7:15-16, NIV)
As good NT Christians and Protestants, we know that God’s presence isn’t confined to a place any longer. God hears our prayers anywhere we offer them.
But there is still something significant about praying in a “sacred” place…in “God’s house”…in a “sanctuary.” For an entire year now, twenty churches throughout Denton County and several county officials have been meeting once a month in churches throughout the county for prayer. The beautiful diversity of the Body of Christ has been on full display. We’ve been faithful to do what verses 13 and 14 ask of us…and God’s been faithful to uphold verses 15 and 16.
This month, on August 28, New Life will be hosting the 1 year anniversary of this event. To celebrate, we’ll have a good old-fashioned “covered dish” dinner beforehand…then we will seek God’s face together…because our land needs healing. I hope you will bring your Bible and your favorite food and join us (the meal is at 5 p.m., prayer is at 6).
