Solomon’s prayer at the temple’s dedication deserves to be studied. The end of the prayer is our Scripture for today. He requests that this prayer be brought before the LORD on a regular basis in order to uphold their cause. The reason he feels bold enough to inquire is verse 60, which states that all the peoples of the earth will know that the LORD is God and there is no other. This was God’s heart. If Israel actually lived in relationship with God, the world would be witness to God’s faithfulness and love. The world would realize there is no other god. That was God’s aim in establishing Israel as a nation: to demonstrate to the world the benefits of obedience and worship of the one true God.

However, there is always a condition. That’s because we have free will. But your hearts must be completely committed to the LORD our God. It remains the same today. You are the only Bible that many people will read. God will hear your prayers and support your cause, but you must be completely dedicated to Him. If people see you as someone who has a relationship with God but your walk does not match your discourse, they will be mislead. But if you are completely committed, even if you make mistakes, they will see an example. Israel’s eyes were fixed on David as he fell, but because his heart was completely devoted, they witnessed an example of conviction and remorse. They noticed a humbled man.

Consider whether you have room for any other loyalty in your heart, or if you are completely dedicated. If you are fully dedicated right now, make sure to stay that way. Then you can be confident that the LORD will hear your prayers and support your cause.

1 Kings 8:59-61 ⁵⁹And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, ⁶⁰so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other. ⁶¹But your hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”