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.
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
God told Solomon that the Temple would be a place where his people could come and be assured that their prayers would be heard if they honestly and humbly sought God, turned from their wicked ways, and returned to His way of grace, mercy, protection, and love; then He would hear them. This promise remains true to this very day, for while God's physical Temple isn't standing, His spiritual one is found in the gathering of His people (1 Corinthians 3:16; Matthew 18:20) and in each of their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). What a great blessing and what a powerful gift for us today! The Father will hear us when we gather with believers and humble ourselves before him, turning from our selfish ways and seeking his presence. Rather than waiting for a grandiose, worldwide effort to begin humbling ourselves and turning toward God, why not gather regularly with others who will join us in this prayer effort? Let's initiate a global revival, renewal, and transformation by starting with prayer and turning to God within us!
My Prayer...
Loving Father, we earnestly seek your presence. Please forgive us for our sins as we renounce all powers and influences that hold our hearts captive and distract us from you and your will. Please use us, Jesus' disciples, to influence this turn toward you in our day. O, dear Father, please bring revival and healing to our time, among your people, and to this world. We desperately need your guidance, blessing, grace, and character in our governments and among all peoples. We pray this, together, agreeing in Jesus' name with a commitment to live for you. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.