Prerequisites Of Divine Restoration | Solomon’s Prayer
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles Tags: Bible Lessons on Prayer
In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God speaking to Solomon stated, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall 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.” This passage of scripture presents to us as God’s people the prerequisites of divine restoration. After God’s temple had been completed by Solomon (2 Chronicles 7:11; cf. 1 Kings 9:1ff), a prayer of dedication is offered to the Lord (2 Chronicles 7:12-42).
In a series of requests, Solomon petitions the Lord to forgive him and the people of their sins if they are willing to repent and return to faithfully serving Him (2 Chronicles 7:21-31; 2 Chronicles 7:34-39). God basically promises them that He will restore to them (as He did to David) the “joy of thy salvation” (Psalm 51:12). In addition, Solomon also petitions God to “hear” and grant the requests of the “stranger” (foreigner – [ESV] – vs. 32-33) so “that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.” Let us look an analyze these prerequisites of divine restoration in the light of other passages and then make application of them in our lives.
1) Humble Ourselves
This is a prerequisite of Christ (Matthew 18:3-4; Matthew 20:27; Matthew 23:11-12) and of God (James 4:6; cf. Psalm 138:6; Proverbs 3:34; 1 Peter 5:6). The purpose of acquiring this attitude is for:
(a) The giving of grace (James 4:6).
(b) Us to be exalted “in due time” (1 Peter 5:5-6).
(c) Teaching us God’s “way” that we might go down a “plain path” (Psalm 27:7-11).
2) Pray
We should note from scripture the “frequency” of our prayers to God.
(a) The Psalmist said that he prayed “Evening, morning, and at noon” (Psalm 55:17).
(b) The apostle Paul states that we should “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
(c) We are to pray “always” making “supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18).
3) Seek God’s Face
The idea of “seeking God’s face” is:
(a) To seek an audience with God (Psalm 20:9).
(b) To seek the favor of God (Proverbs 29:26).
We are told to “seek God” with all our heart and soul (Deuteronomy 4:29; cf. 2 Chronicles 15:4).
4) Turn From Our Wicked Ways
(a) It is a requirement of God (Acts 17:30).
(b) It is a requirement of Christ (Luke 13:3, 5).
(c) It is a requirement of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30-31; cf. Psalm 78:32-41; Isaiah 63:10; Acts 7:51).
(d) It is a requirement of the apostle of love (1 John 1:9).
Turning from his sins was David’s attitude and desire (Psalm 51:1-4, 7-14). We should display the same attitude and desire as well.
Conclusion:
When we as God’s children fulfill the four divine restoration prerequisites enumerated above, then God will (according to 2 Chronicles 7:14):
(a) Hear from heaven.
(b) Forgive our sin.
(c) Heal our land.
Our fellowship with God will then be restored! What a marvelous promise from our Heavenly Father even to His children today (1 John 1:3-9; cf. Psalm 32:5; Psalm 51:2). May God richly bless us as we daily make application of these divine restoration prerequisites.