In the Books of 1st and 2nd Kings there are many examples of prayer and humility. Solomon, in 1st Kings 8:22-53, is a great example of humbling yourself before God in prayer. Solomon is grateful for having completed the Temple which he had built for God. If we look at his prayer we can see a great outline of how to pray with humility to God Almighty. Solomon also shows how God is unique in nature and that there is no other God like Him. This is his claim, that God stands alone as the one true God of Israel and beyond. Paul would reference that God is indeed one God and Father of all [Ephesians 4:6 “ one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all”].
At the beginning of Solomon’s prayer, he shows that God deserves all reverence and honor as he lifts his hands to heaven (1 Kings 8:22). He continues and gives honor to the LORD and exalts his name (1 Kings 8:23). Solomon shows his humbleness as he acknowledges the omnipresence of God and how God is everywhere. Solomon then recognizes that he is nothing and the temple which he built for God cannot contain God (1 Kings 8:27). Paul also knew this truth, that God does not dwell in temples built with hands [Acts 17:27 “so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” ].
Continuing with his progression of exalting God, Solomon speaks of Heaven as the dwelling place of God. He asks God with humility to hear all the oaths that are offered to Him before the altar (1 Kings 8:32). He shows us how God is in charge of earthly possessions. Solomon asks God to return the land to the people if it was taken in battle. Note that the condition for repossessing the land was repentance on their part. The acknowledgement of sin is a true sign of humility before God (1 Kings 8:33). He continues showing humility towards God, and asking Him to hear the prayers of the people and rid them from all famines in the land. Solomon, in his prayer, speaks and petitions in humility to God who is in heaven. We can be sure that Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, was correct that God dwells in heaven. In Matthew 6:9, we have confirmation from the Son of God which says, “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be your name.”
I Kings 8:33-34 “ When Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and when they turn back to You and confess Your name, and pray and make supplication to You in this temple, then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and bring them back to the land which You gave to their fathers”.
To be continued..