DECEMBER 17 1 Kings 8:30-40

PRAYING FOR GOD’S FORGIVENESS

In your private prayers to God, do you ask Him to forgive you of your sins? Perhaps you pray something similar to this - “Father in heaven, please forgive and cleanse me of my sins.” By uttering these words, does it mean that God will surely forgive?

There are times when we ask God to forgive without proper reflection on what our sins are. Confession of sins becomes part of a prayer routine that we follow, and the words are said without much thought or seriousness. But Solomon clearly put much thought into his prayer.

Let’s study Solomon’s prayer a little more closely. As he dedicated the temple, his prayer was one about forgiveness. Throughout these verses, do you notice a similar pattern in the prayer? Can you tell what this pattern is?

Fill in the blanks! 
1. If the trials that Israel faced were because of the s ___ ___ ___ they committed,
2. If Israel were to confess their sins and ___ ___ ___ n back to God,
3. Solomon asked that God would f ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___, and deliver them from their trials.

What was the condition to be forgiven? IF Israel recognised the terrible sins of their hearts (v38), turned away from their sins (v35), and returned back to God in prayer (v33). Behind our prayers, must be a repentant spirit. 

We need to first be serious and really know the sins of our hearts, and truly repent. It’s no use just uttering words of forgiveness without meaning it. To repent means to turn away from your sins, confess it to God, and humbly ask Him to forgive.

Is it your sincere desire to be restored to God and to experience His peace and forgiveness? Without God’s mercy and forgiveness, you will be most miserable because you remain unforgiven. Thus, Solomon prayed for the most important thing. The true blessing was not prosperity or success. It was to experience the restoration and mercies of the LORD.

Thought: Am I a forgiven or unforgiven sinner?
Prayer: Almighty and merciful God, I acknowledge that You are the only true God who can forgive sins. I confess that I have sinned against my family and friends, and against You. Forgive me and help me turn away from my sins. Restore me to Yourself. In Jesus’ name, Amen.